one of the two key elements of his character . By moving away from the ocean , he rejects his sexuality . Chiron suppresses the truth about his sexuality to fit into the standards of a society that continuously rejects him , and his connection to the ocean and water begins to fade away . In an interview , Jenkins said , ' growing up in Miami , the ocean has this charge , this energy , something you can feel . Sometimes you can smell it despite the fact it might be two miles away ’ ( Entertainment Weekly , 2017 ). Chiron can connect to his true self when near the water since the ocean is a central aspect of life in Miami . When Chiron lives near the sea , he seems to partially accept his sexuality despite external factors belittling him for it . At the beginning of the chapter , Chiron has just been released from prison and receives a call from Kevin to visit him in Miami . He does so , and they reconnect , with Kevin inviting Chiron back to his apartment .
In the film ’ s penultimate shot , Chiron places his head on Kevin ' s shoulder - mirroring their position when Kevin masturbated Chiron on the beach . This time , however , the spectator is permitted to see the men ’ s facial expressions as the camera is placed infront of them . Although there is no water visibly present , the non-diegetic sound of waves can be heard . It is the first time we see adult Chiron as vulnerable , allowing the toughened exterior he manufactured for himself to fall away . Jenkins alignment of this shot with the sound of waves shows that Chiron is finally at peace with his sexuality by returning to Miami .
The film ’ s closing shot is of Little looking out to sea , highlighting Chiron ’ s lifelong connection to the water and ultimately unites the Black people ’ s bodies and water ’ s image indefinitely . Before the camera cuts to black , Little turns and looks up out of frame . Although we as spectators are not privy to what he is looking at , Jenkins suggests optimism about his future that was not there before Chiron returned to Miami . The lighting is essential in this shot as it appears to have a blue tint to it , making Little ’ s skin glow blue . The film is adapted from Tarell Alvin McCrane ' s unpublished play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue . The play ' s title links Black people ’ s bodies with water since a