Under the Cherry Moon review: The misunderstood romantic drama off the cusp of ‘Purple Rain’

Originally released in 1986, following the success of the culturally acclaimed Purple Rain (1984), musician Prince embarked on his directorial debut with Under the Cherry Moon, set on the coast of the French Riviera. The film was shown as part of the BFI Film on Film Festival 2025.

The story follows close friends piano player Christopher Tracy (Prince) and his companion Tricky (Jerome Benton) as they chase dreams of becoming accomplished musicians. 

They ultimately find themselves infatuated with the incredibly wealthy Mary Sharon (Kristin Scott Thomas), who lives a sheltered life due to her domineering father’s fear that his daughter will be "radicalised" if he does not carefully control her actions.

Accompanying the trio’s escapades is a Pop, Funk, and Soul-infused soundtrack that hums in the background, occasionally disrupted by distorted sounds that create tension, especially in pivotal scenes, such as when Christopher deceives Tricky. 

Knowing Tricky has grown fond of Mary, Christopher still spends lavishly using her father's money, ultimately “kidnapping” her before her scheduled departure to New York. 

He "kidnaps" her on an unconventional romantic car ride that ends in a passionate love-making scene; unbeknownst to Tricky, who is still waiting for Christopher, as the two had planned to spend the evening together.

Beneath the film's playful surface lies a recurring theme, voiced and implied by both Christopher and Tricky: a desire to bring Mary down to “street level,” suggesting she would not survive outside her privileged world. 

There is also a subtle historical undertone, as the duo originate from Miami, a city that, in the 1940s, was still shaped by Jim Crow laws, racial violence, and segregation. Limited opportunities and harsh working conditions led some members of the Black community to uproot and move abroad, adding a deeper sociocultural layer to the narrative.

Upon its initial release, the film performed poorly at the box office, failing to recoup its $12 million budget. Critics were disappointed, yearning for a more cohesive storyline akin to that of Purple Rain. 

However, Under the Cherry Moon showcases Prince’s artistic flair not only in music but also in film. 

It presents a lighthearted romantic comedy with moments of visual elegance and deeper commentary, exploring the lengths individuals will go to protect those they love and the eventual downfall of selfishness.