Director: Jeff Nichols
By Alex Watson
Jeff Nichol's Loving is a wonderfully low-key drama. This picture focuses on the length battle faced by Inter-racial Virginia couple Richard and Mildred Loving. Nichols refuses to go for the fireworks and stays true to the quiet determination of the couple. By letting their love and refusal to back down tell the story, we are given a pair of powerful lead performances. The couple's fight lasted over a decade and went all the way to the US Supreme court. This recounting of Virginia's unjust Racial Integrity Act marks an important event in US marriage laws.
Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton) takes his African-American sweetheart Mildred Jeter (Ruth Negga) to get married in Washington D.C. Although her family raises concerns over the trouble this could cause, both proceed with the marriage. Soon afterwards, the cops are tipped off and the pair is arrested. Eventually, they are forced by a court to move to Washington. Refusing to go quietly, Ruth writes to Bobby Kennedy to ask for help with their case- in turn, he refers lawyer Bernie Cohen (Nick Kroll) to them. What will follow will ultimately amend the US Constitution.
A pleasantly intimate movie, Loving is a picture that is not about big speeches or fiery courtroom scenes. Nichols refuses to sink into showing blatant racism and instead focuses on the troubles faced by a couple in love. When they first marry, Richard has no worries even though all around him are questioning his actions. One night they find themselves yanked out of bed by Sheriff Brooks (Martin Csokas) and hauled off to jail. Despite having their marriage certificate and being above board, they are simply told: "That's no good here!" It's never made clear who precisely has tipped off the cops? The accuser is not the focal point, it's the injustice that speaks loudest. To avoid jail time, the pair is forced to plead guilty and leave Virginia for 25 years. This separation for their families causes a huge strain on both sides of the aisle.
While the couple's personas on screen are only skin deep, they remain true to the real life characters. Richard is a man of few words who tends to mumble, Mildred is the warmer side to the to the couple. Although her husband wants nothing to do with the case, Mildred still writes for help. Bernie Cohen is an ACLU lawyer who although inexperienced with Civil Law, is still driven by the possibility of making legal history. The case comes second to the couple's story, the pair even refuses to appear at the US Supreme Court. Nichols is also able to litter his film with some fine moments of suspense during this stretch. Being followed by another vehicle on an isolated country road is bound to get the blood pumping. The pair returns to Virginia which could well see them jailed again. Unswayed by legal penalties, the pair is determined to raise their numerous children in their home state. The portrayal of the Loving's marriage does lack some depth. Despite their devotion to each other, we don't feel the warm glow we expected.
As the case picks up speed, the attention on the couple increases. Richard is visibly uncomfortable when forced to answer the questions reporters ask. The presence of Life Magazine photographer Grey Villet (Michael Shannon) also makes the couple feel awkward. Refusing to take centre stage, the pair shuns the publicity that the case gives them. This is the most powerful aspect to Loving because under normal circumstances we would see a couple passionately defending themselves to all. Richard and Mildred don't feel they need to justify anything, their love speaks for itself. When asked what he wants to tell the Supreme Court judges, Richard matter of factly tells Bernie "Tell em' I love my wife!" Another point of note is how Nichols portrays people of the Deep South. He resists the urge to portray the people of Caroline County as a group of narrow-minded racists. Sheriff Brooks while disapproving doesn't feel the need to harras the pair. Richard's mother quietly states he shouldn't have married Mildred, but nonetheless helps deliver her child. Under normal circumstances, this would be big bait to telling a story of injustice. In Nichols view, everyone deserves a fair shot.
Both Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga are simply fabulous as Richard and Mildred. Edgerton in particular rolls out his strongest performance to date. A man who lives by a strict set of morals, Richard's devotion to his wife is absolute. Often when faced with simply backing down and taking an easier path, Richard will reject it and fight on. Ruth Negga is a real stand out and the Irish-Ethiopian actress gives a heartfelt turn. Embodying the kinder and gentler side to the marriage, Negga carries the audiences worries and hopes forward. This is one performance will definitely kick start her career and you should expect this name at least to appear on the award circuit.
Loving is a movie that might be a slow experience for some, but Nichols is no great hurry to tell this tale. Those who stick with it will be reward by seeing one of the truly strong couples our time.
