Director: Stella Meghie
Writer: Stella Meghie
Cast: Issa Rae, Lakeith Stanfield, Chante Adams, and Rob Morgan
Mae has spent her entire life seeking her mother’s affection. When her mother Christina suddenly passes away, the young museum curator is shocked to discover two letters from her mother, one addressed to Mae and the other for her father. Michael is a serial monogamist who finds himself suddenly single when his long-distance girlfriend breaks up with him on a trip to New Orleans. A collection of photographs brings Mae and Michael face to face igniting a love affair that only fate could have predicted.
The Photograph is Stella Meghie’s latest film. With a string of Indy gems under her belt, this could be her best film to date. This stylized romantic drama, offers a welcome return to Black Romance, an often forgotten genre that shaped many careers in the ’90s. Star Issa Rae likened the film to classic black love stories, “Love and Basketball” and “Love Jones” both of which are familiar tomes in the collective history of black films. Though only time will tell how well this story fits into the culture, The Photograph is thoroughly enjoyable.
The film is a tale of two love stories, joined by fate. As Mae’s relationship with Michael heats up, she is simultaneously discovering the love story that shaped the woman her mother became. Through a series of flashbacks, prompted by passages in her mother’s letter, Mae also discovers the root of many of her own issues. As Mae comes to terms with her torturous relationship with her mom, Michael is forced to confront his foolhardy approach to romance. Falling headfirst into relationships has only hurt him in the past, but once his sights are set on Mae he is instantly prepared to risk it all. As Michael struggles with loving too quickly, Mae considers if she’s even able to love at all.
Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield have undeniable chemistry. As artists, each is known for their expressive eyes and innate ability to emote without words, Issa’s wide-eyed innocent expression is evenly matched by Lakeith’s intense often sorrowful gaze. Though there is much dialogue between the two, Meghie takes full advantage of their emotive capabilities allowing so much more to be communicated with just a look. In one particular scene, Mae and Michael are alone in her mother’s old darkroom, very few words are exchanged before the two embraces, but it is evident that the kiss that follows is meant to comfort and not seduce. Fans of HBO’s Insecure are familiar with seeing Issa as a leading lady. Her body of work is more comedic than dramatic, this film could be the catalyst that propels her even further in her already skyrocketing career. Lakeith is also known for comedic often offbeat characters such as Darius in FX Network’s “Atlanta” and Cassius Green in “Sorry to Bother You”. As Michael, Lakeith is at once endearing and intense showcasing vulnerable side fans don’t often see.
As a whole, The Photograph is a thought-provoking look at relationships in general, with heart and realism. Best of all, it is a Black History Month release devoid of slavery, police brutality, and civil rights movement references. It is a rare film in which Black people are just allowed to be, feel, love and be vulnerable, if only for a moment. Though its place in cinematic history is yet to be determined we enjoyed it, so why not take a chance and see what develops.
The Photograph hits theaters on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2020!