LOVING Trailer
The Supreme Court of the United States unanimously ruled in favor of Richard and Mildred Loving in 1967, overturning their conviction in the state of Virginia and effectively legalized interracial marriage across the nation. The court’s decision can hardly be considered a spoiler for Loving, though, as the case has regained national attention in recent years. The Loving’s outcome established that the rights of liberty and equality can be applied to marriage in the U.S., making it an oft-cited legal precedent for the gay marriage movement. That Loving vs. Virginia also has a poetic ring to it is just icing on the cake.
The recent attention on the Loving’s case makes a fictionalized version of their story almost inevitable, and luckily the pair has attracted the skills of writer/director Jeff Nichols. He knows how to land an overarching metaphor, and I’m guessing that Loving will be more concerned with the broad implications of their marriage than the outcome of their Supreme Court case. Its festival run has led to steady praise, with borderline effusive reactions to leads Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga.
If they are able to sell the simplicity of the Loving’s relationship, then the film should be a tender argument for respecting love in all of its forms. Still not convinced of the metaphor? I’ll leave you with an excerpt of Mildred Loving’s public statement on the 40th anniversary of the Loving vs. Virginia decision:
“I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about.”
Loving is directed by Jeff Nichols and stars Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton. It will be released in the U.S. on November 4th, 2016 and in the U.K. on February 3rd, 2017. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think Loving will deliver on its name? Let us know in the comments!
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