Loving 2016

As the sun dips into the horizon of rural Virginia, the story unfolds on a rustic porch, where Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton), a rugged white man, sits alongside his beautiful black girlfriend, Mildred (Ruth Negga). It’s the mid-1950s, an era defined by segregation and prejudice. The air is alive with the sound of revving engines as Richard moderates a drag race, where people from all walks of life – black and white alike – have gathered to revel in the thrill of speed. Amidst the excitement, Richard and Mildred steal away to share a tender moment.

Days later, Richard tends to his trade, laying down bricks to construct homes, while Mildred’s thoughts are consumed by their future together. It is on this sun-kissed day that Richard reveals his grand plan – he’s purchased an acre of land and asks Mildred to be his partner in life. As they stroll through the empty field, envisioning their dream home, the lovebirds discuss the finer details, from kitchen and bathroom placement to the promise of a brighter future.

Mildred’s radiant smile soon gives way to the glow of pregnancy. Richard, determined to secure their union legally, convinces Mildred to make the trek to Washington D.C., where they can obtain a marriage certificate. But little do they know, Virginia is one of 24 states that outlaw interracial marriage – a cruel reality that drives them to seek solace in the nation’s capital.

As they return to their humble abode, Richard dons a mask of secrecy, hiding his marital status from prying eyes. He continues to work at the local auto shop, careful not to arouse suspicion. Meanwhile, Mildred navigates the complexities of her new role as Mrs. Loving, all while carrying the weight of their forbidden love.

When Richard’s mother reveals that the sheriff is on the hunt for him, he knows it’s only a matter of time before their relationship is exposed. In a bold move, he proudly displays his marriage certificate on the wall, daring the authorities to challenge their love. As night falls, Richard and Mildred slumber peacefully, unaware that their peaceful existence will soon be shattered by the harsh realities of a world unwilling to accept their union. The sheriff’s sudden arrival at their doorstep marks the beginning of a tumultuous journey that will test the very fabric of their love.

As the consequences of their actions unfold, Richard (actor name) and Mildred are taken away from each other, imprisoned in separate cells within the confines of a local jail. The harsh reality of their predicament becomes apparent as Richard is released on bail the following morning, while Mildred is informed that she will remain incarcerated until they can face the judge on Monday, leaving her to navigate the uncertain days ahead alone and pregnant.

Upon his release, Richard sets out to secure legal representation, meeting with a lawyer who warns them of a potential one-year prison sentence. However, this punishment can be suspended if they agree to leave the state of Virginia for a minimum of 25 years. Upon returning home, Richard is met with his mother’s disapproving gaze and her blunt declaration: “I told you not to marry that girl.” Her response is laced with disappointment, as she confesses, “I like hundreds of people.”

Mildred, finally free from the confines of jail, joins Richard in court, accompanied by their lawyer. They both enter guilty pleas, and the judge’s verdict is a foregone conclusion: they can avoid incarceration only if they abandon their hometown. In private, Richard and Mildred are torn between their love for each other and their desire to stay in the place that holds so much significance to them. However, circumstances dictate otherwise, and they reluctantly relocate to Washington, D.C., where they can coexist as an interracial couple.

As they attempt to adapt to city life, they find themselves disillusioned with the concrete jungle. The absence of greenery and open spaces leaves them yearning for the familiarity of their rural surroundings. Despite their efforts to make the best of their new environment, Mildred notes that she had always envisioned Richard’s mother delivering her child, as she has for many families in their community. This sentiment prompts Richard to orchestrate a plan for his wife to give birth in Virginia, under the watchful eye of her brother.

To avoid drawing attention to themselves, Richard and Mildred devise a strategy to return to their hometown separately. He stays behind, allowing her to transfer into her brother’s vehicle mid-journey, while he follows discreetly, ensuring that they can reappear in town without arousing suspicion.

As the days pass, the quiet of a new life is shattered when Richard’s mother accompanies Mildred as she gives birth, marking the arrival of their newest addition. The next morning, Richard steps out into the sunlight only to be confronted by the authorities, who have been alerted to his return. With an air of menace, they demand to know where Mildred is, threatening to unleash a barrage of physical punishment if he doesn’t comply. Undeterred, Richard maintains her absence, prompting the police to issue a veiled warning that they will stop at nothing to extract the truth.

Meanwhile, Mildred, now aware of the commotion outside, tenderly bestows a kiss upon her newborn and entrusts him to his aunt’s care before emerging onto the patio. Her unexpected revelation sends shockwaves through the scene, as both she and Richard are subsequently arrested once more for violating the court order. In the days that follow, they anxiously await their fate, fearful of the consequences of serving time in prison.

In a surprising twist, their lawyer reappears, claiming ignorance of their plan to give birth in Virginia while simultaneously informing them that Mildred could have done so under different circumstances. Although his words may seem like a clever ploy, it’s clear that this ruse can only be used once before the truth begins to unravel.

As the seasons pass, Mildred and Richard are now proud parents of three children - two rambunctious boys and a precocious young daughter - living in Washington D.C. A visit from Mildred’s sister sparks a sense of longing for their former life in Virginia, where green pastures and open fields awaited. The family’s desire to escape the hustle and bustle of city life is heightened when one of their sons narrowly avoids serious injury after being struck by a passing car. This close call serves as a wake-up call, prompting Mildred to long for a return to her beloved Virginia.

Initially, the family settles into small apartments, with Mildred and the children arriving first before Richard joins them later. They eventually move in with Mildred’s family, where they’re treated to footage of the tumultuous 1960s Civil Rights Movement on television. It is here that Mildred’s cousins implore her to seek their aid in combating the archaic miscegenation laws that render her marriage invalid. With a newfound sense of purpose, she begins to write letters to Attorney General Robert Kennedy, seeking his support in this fight for justice and equality.

As Richard climbs up a ladder to tackle some home renovations, his tranquility is abruptly shattered by a speeding car barreling through the fields towards him. With paranoia gripping him like a vice, he hastily descends from his perch and attempts to conceal himself. However, his anxiety proves unfounded, as the frantic driver turns out to be none other than Mildred’s brother, who nonchalantly explains that he always drives at breakneck speeds. Richard sheepishly confesses to his excessive wariness.

Meanwhile, Mildred receives a phone call that sends her spirits soaring: the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is willing to take on her case and fight for her rights, courtesy of Robert Kennedy’s personal endorsement. When she expresses uncertainty about the offer, the ACLU representative reassures her that their services would be rendered pro bono. Mildred’s world is suddenly filled with hope.

Enter Bernie Cohen (Nick Kroll), a charismatic lawyer who sets up shop in an abandoned office space with a flourish. As Mildred and Richard arrive at his makeshift practice, Bernie outlines his battle plan to protect their marriage, emphasizing the possibility of taking their case all the way to the Supreme Court. He astutely points out that sufficient time has passed since their last court appearance, leaving them with a window of opportunity.

Bernie proposes an unorthodox approach: they could intentionally get arrested again, thereby creating grounds for appeal and paving the way for a higher court to hear their case. Not surprisingly, Mildred and Richard are less than thrilled at the prospect of publicly violating the court order that has governed their lives. The idea sends Richard’s skepticism soaring. However, Bernie remains undeterred, assuring them that he will continue brainstorming innovative strategies while retaining Mildred’s trust in his abilities as her legal champion.

As the legal landscape shifts in their favor, Bernie is advised by another pro bono lawyer that they can revive the case by petitioning the original judge to reconsider his verdict. This strategic move ultimately results in a re-ignition of the case, with the judge standing firm in his initial decision. Back at the Lovings’ home, the lawyer’s revelation sparks amusement as he shares the judge’s ruling, which posits that Almighty God created separate races and intended for them to remain distinct. The lawyer predicts that this unusual reasoning will inadvertently bolster their case when it reaches the U.S. Supreme Court, as it lacks any constitutional basis.

To garner widespread attention for the Lovings’ plight, the lawyer arranges for a reporter from Life Magazine (Michael Shannon) to visit the couple at home. Over the course of a day, the photographer captures intimate moments between Richard and Mildred as they go about their daily routine, showcasing their tender affection while watching television together.

The Virginia Supreme Court’s subsequent ruling against the Lovings sets the stage for a trip to the highest court in the land. As they navigate the media spotlight, the couple and their lawyer continue to promote their case, fielding questions from reporters and sharing their story with the world.

As they prepare to present their case to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Lovings ask their lawyer about potential weaknesses in their argument. The lawyer candidly admits that the opposition will likely focus on the children, claiming it’s unfair to bring biracial kids into the world - a stark contrast to the joy and innocence of the three little ones playing and laughing together. With this insight, Richard declines the opportunity to make a statement before the Supreme Court, opting instead to convey his simple yet profound message: “Tell the court I love my wife.”

As Mildred settles into her temporary residence, she takes proactive steps to stay connected by installing a phone, anticipating the potential receipt of crucial updates. Meanwhile, Richard remains steadfast in his labor, meticulously laying bricks at a construction site. Upon concluding his workday, he notices a peculiar package wrapped around a brick - the Life Magazine article featuring a snapshot of him and Mildred cozied up on the couch. This discovery sparks an undercurrent of unease as Richard begins to wonder who else is privy to their personal life. His anxiety peaks when a vehicle appears to be tailing his truck, prompting him to speed up and drive erratically in an attempt to shake off his pursuer. However, upon arriving home, he realizes that his paranoia may have been unfounded, as no suspicious vehicles follow him the distance.

Time passes, and Mildred receives a momentous phone call announcing that the Supreme Court has unanimously abolished the country’s remaining segregation laws. Her response is marked by stoic politeness, but her eyes betray a deep-seated joy at this monumental development.

The narrative then shifts to find Richard once more laying bricks, this time on the very house he had initially envisioned as their dream home for Mildred and him. This new life unfolds in Virginia, where they are now parents to a brood of five. As the credits roll, a poignant title card reveals that Richard would meet his demise just eight years later, while Mildred passed away in 2008.