All Love is Created Equal. This is such a powerful message from the film, “Loving”. The film comes from Jeff Nichols and recently premiered as part of the NY Film Critics Fall Series. From the moment the film begins, it is very clear that it will be both beautiful and powerful.
The film follows the true story and love between Richard and Mildred Loving, and the battle they face as an interracial couple. One night while sleeping, two deputies stormed into their bedroom arresting the couple due to Virginia’s law at the time against interracial marriage.
Following their arrest, they were forced to leave their hometown and the state of Virginia and moved to Washington DC. Not only was it a difficult adjustment moving away from their family, but they are also forced to change their way of life, moving from the open country to the cramped city. There was a scene in the movie where there is one patch of grass found on the sidewalk, among the cement, representing all they had left of their country life.
After Mildred writes a letter to Robert Kennedy, The American Civil Liberties Union decides to work with the Loving family and bring their case to the Supreme Court. Mildred and Robert decided not to attend court due to the fact of what the state of Virginia may say not only about their marriage, but also their 3 children.
It is very clear that the love between Mildred and Robert is strong. When their lawyers take their case to court, Robert is asked what he wants them to tell the Supreme Court, where his only response was, “I love my wife.” The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Loving family, believing that laws prohibiting interracial marriage are unconstitutional.
Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga both gave fantastic performances in the film!
Following the film was a live discussion and audience Q&A with producer Peter Saraf hosted by Dana Stevens.
Photo Credit: NY Film Critics Series
Peter explained how an important part of the film was that it was a story about exile, Mildred and Robert being told their love was illegitimate and not good enough
When asked about the challenge of filming a period piece, Peter said, “It is the kind of challenge that can be really satisfying.” Loving was filmed in Viriginia and even shot at the real jail and courthouse that Mildred and Robert Loving had spent their time.
A really interesting conversation that came up was how Sheriff Brooks’ daughter reached out when she heard about the film and offered the production to use her late father’s uniform. His daughter said that he was a good man and good father, but very stuck in his ways and his beliefs.
“Loving” will be released in selected theaters on November 4th.
To learn more about the NY Film Critics Series head here!
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