The Photograph

Universal Pictures | Release Date: February 14, 2020

5.9	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 35 Ratings

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estonismFeb 16, 2020

Issa Rae is a burgeoning actress. She is beautiful and has a wonderful onscreen personality. She is still at the stage where she can be molded by a director to character's liking. LaKeith is her male counterpart in may ways. TheirIssa Rae is a burgeoning actress. She is beautiful and has a wonderful onscreen personality. She is still at the stage where she can be molded by a director to character's liking. LaKeith is her male counterpart in may ways. Their chemistry and hesitance in their romance was fun to watch. Fairly simple plot with a great soundtrack. I recommend this movie.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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Stream2BigScreeFeb 16, 2020

Love is in the air!!!! When I look into your eyes…….! Stream to Big Screen is back at it with a review of The Photograph, starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield. This movie can be described as the intermingling of love stories from the pastLove is in the air!!!! When I look into your eyes…….! Stream to Big Screen is back at it with a review of The Photograph, starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield. This movie can be described as the intermingling of love stories from the past to present. So let’s get to it.

Now you must be warned, I am a hopeless romantic at heart. I normally wouldn’t tell anyone but this movie is right up my alley, like Hitch. Unfortunately, this movie will never be Hitch, but it can be itself. A modern day love story for the older millennials. While the storyline is very simple and transparent from the trailer, the viewer is treated to more than what they can see. The Photograph is completely about the feel. We are meant to experience this movie by knowing exactly what is coming but still reminiscing on that awkward first date moment as if they are our own or that feeling of anxiety before a first phone call to the one with whom we are smitten. We have all been there, and if you haven’t, this movie definitely provides the experience for you.

And those who give us those moments are the solid cast. Issa Rae glows in this movie. As someone close to me said, “This movie just makes me want to get a weave.” Yes, her weave was on point and flawless throughout but more importantly Issa was the personification of #BlackGirlMagic. We are used to Issa being a love interest focal point from Insecure but I must admit she’s stepped her game up. On top of Issa’s performance, LaKeith Stanfield in his awkward, swag style was perfect for this role. The two had palpable on-screen chemistry. Speaking of chemisty and acting, Chante Adams and Y’lan Noel weren’t too shabby themselves. I must admit Noel outshined Adams in their scenes but both worked well in their roles.

Nevertheless, I found myself checking my watch in the theater. The movie did seem to be longer than it actually was. I also found myself wanting more to happen or something dramatic to really occur. I know it’s because the storyline was so obvious but I still wanted more.

Nevertheless, The Photograph delivers what it promises in a modern day love story. It provides all the feels. Dategoers, married folks, seriously dating, verge of breaking up … all couples and those looking for love, should venture to theater to watch this movie. But for those “more single and just wants to mingle” general public, you can pump the breaks a little bit. For you all, a matinee showing or better yet a RedBox and Chill night is perfect.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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BeverlyJohnson1Feb 17, 2020

I thought it was a cute love movie. Full of Black Love! I wish it would have got a little more exposure through the media. I enjoy the the cast. The leading female and male did a wonderful job, soundtrack was everything. We need more blackI thought it was a cute love movie. Full of Black Love! I wish it would have got a little more exposure through the media. I enjoy the the cast. The leading female and male did a wonderful job, soundtrack was everything. We need more black love movies, Congratulations to the entire cast and kudos to the writer and Director/ Producer.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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MarkHReviewsMar 6, 2020

For several years now, Writer/Director Stella Meghie (“Jean of the Joneses,” “The Weekend”) has been bucking the odds. In 2017, of the 740 films released in the US and Canada, her “Everything, Everything” was the only film directed by aFor several years now, Writer/Director Stella Meghie (“Jean of the Joneses,” “The Weekend”) has been bucking the odds. In 2017, of the 740 films released in the US and Canada, her “Everything, Everything” was the only film directed by a black female.

With “The Photograph,” Meghie takes on the additional challenge of breathing new life into a long-dormant genre – the black romantic drama. The category has a long history. “Love and Basketball” (2000), “Love Jones” (1997), “The Best Man” (1999) and “Poetic Justice” (1993) are all interesting, worthwhile films. But you’ll notice they’re all over twenty years old.

In this film, well-known photographer Christina Eames (Chante Adams) dies suddenly. This causes her estranged daughter, Mae (Issa Rae), to begin a literal and figurative journey to better understand the history of her mother, who had moved as a young woman from rural Louisiana to New York City to establish a career for herself in photography. Mae’s guide map is a long letter from her mother, in which Christina tries to explain to her daughter what she’s learned about life and love and to apologize for her emotional distance. During her journey, Mae crosses paths with Michael (LaKeith Stanfield), a journalist who is writing a profile about her mother.

In addition to Director Meghie’s steady hand, three elements make this film worthwhile. First, the acting skills and apparent chemistry between Rae and Stanfield offer rocket fuel for this story. Stanfield has shown his chops previously in “Sorry to Bother You” and, most recently, “Uncut Gems” and “Knives Out.” For me, Rae (TV’s “Insecure,” the film “Little”) is a revelation. Her wide-eyed expressions communicate joy, wonderment, pain or wistfulness without the inconvenience of having to move her lips. I’m looking forward to seeing her in “American Princess,” Meghie’s next outing.

Another strength is Robert Glasper’s soundtrack, which is simply inspired. While most of the songs have a smooth jazz inflection, Glasper has selected tracks from the present as well as from the 1980s, the time period for many of the film’s flashbacks. His work gives the entire film a smooth, sexy vibe. He had me at Al Green’s “For the Good Times.”

Finally, Meghie uses character and plot development to make some key points, not just pass the time with an interesting story. She communicates powerfully about the inevitable messiness of family. Her strongest points are about the necessity of self-revelation, that one can deeply love only by being fully known.

This isn’t a perfect movie. Meghie over-uses flashbacks. Some are fascinating, some are jarring, some are unnecessarily disorienting. And there are occasional minor missteps where “important moments” slip over into melodrama. But these are minor quibbles. I can’t wait to see what Stella Meghie does next.… Expand

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Julianp53Mar 14, 2020

The cinematography = excellent

The script = natural and realistic The cast = cohesive Nuance black characters. Showing dark skin characters be vulnerable with 0 trauma And this **** Soundtrack / tracklisting? Robert Glasper did aThe cinematography = excellent

The script = natural and realistic The cast = cohesive

Nuance black characters. Showing dark skin characters be vulnerable with 0 trauma And this **** Soundtrack / tracklisting? Robert Glasper did a phenomenal job. Sheesh… Expand

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Shake1234May 11, 2020

A beautiful love story for millennials. I love how they incorporate their love of hip hop into this story. This story will inspire you to love and to not overthink it. Because everything isn’t practical. A must see.

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