Film Review: "Loving" (2016).

"All love is created equal" in Loving. This biographical romantic drama film written and directed by Jeff Nichols. In 1958, Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple, are arrested and thrown out of their home state of Virginia. Determined to go back to their roots, they approach the Supreme Court.

In early 2009, while filming John Doyle's Main Street (2010), Colin Firth had stumbled upon the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, before being introduced to filmmaker Nancy Buirski. Buirski herself had recently read the obituary of Mildred Loving in The New York Times, and spoke to Firth about her plans on making a documentary about the couple. Buirski had been in contact with Firth regarding a feature version of the story after learning of his interest in American politics and social history, to which Firth and herself began to brainstorm a narrative structure as well as beginning work on a screenplay. In late January 2011, Firth mentioned to Buirski that he was launching a production company with Ged Doherty, and had brought up a narrative version of The Loving Story (2011) to him. In late April 2011, after a successful Kickstarter campaign, Buirski's film was shown at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, before its February 14, 2012 release on HBO, to universal acclaim. In June 2012, after watching Take Shelter (2011), Firth, Doherty and Buirski approached Nichols. He had been introduced to Buirski's documentary The Loving Story (2011). Initially, Nichols was reluctant to write and direct the film, as he had never been commissioned to write a screenplay before. But he eventually agreed to write a script. Nichols underwent extensive research, such as meeting Peggy Loving, who is the only surviving child of the Lovings. In mid May 2013, Screen International reported that Firth's Raindog Films and Silver Reel are developing a theatrical feature film inspired by Buirski's documentary. In May 2015, Deadline Hollywood reported that Nichols was boarding the project as director and writer, with Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga starring as Richard and Mildred Loving, respectively. In addition, Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe announced that Virginia has been selected as the filming location for the film. Furthermore, Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office, confirmed that filming will take place from Caroline County to Dinwiddie County. As the piece will film in the central Virginia area, the film will be eligible for a filming incentive, with the exact amount based on expenditures in Virginia and certain deliverables to promote tourism in the Commonwealth. By mid September, Nick Kroll and Michael Shannon rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in late November. Filming was initially supposed to take place between mid September to late October.

Edgerton and Negga's performances, as well as those of the entire supporting cast, make this film better than it ought to be.

Bolstered by strong performances from Edgerton and Negga, Loving offers an engaging Southern drama that manages to stay sweet and heartwarming without being sappy.

Simon says Loving receives:

Also, see my review for Midnight Special.