Black Love is Alive in The Photograph
by Kathia Woods
Black Love is a subject that hasn't always been examined positively on the screen. We have had standouts like "Love and Basketball" and "Love Jones," but there was still a long winding road to happiness. So naturally, when it was announced that Will Packer was producing a film starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stansfield involving love, everyone was excited. The added caveat was the release date of Valentine's day. Toronto native Stella Meghie wrote and directed this beautiful love story.
The Photograph provides two versions of Black Love and how those that raise us to influence our actions.
There are Michael and Mae portrayed by LaKeith and Issa. The other couple in the film is Christina and Isaac. Chante Adams gives a moving performance as Christina while Isaac is shared by Y'lan Noel (younger Isaac) and the always amazing Rob Morgan (the older version). In each instant, the man is the one that wants commitment. Christina fears loving Isaac will turn her into her mother, halting her growth; however, that fear informs how her daughter Mae invites love. The past comes back to influence the current.
A couple of standouts it's unusual that we get to see two dark-skinned African Americans fall in love on the big screen. Also, both Mae and Michael the two leads in the film were single, single as in no baby moms or baby daddy or some other stereotype. They also are educated and have careers. Another important detail is, we get to see a man lovingly pursuing a woman. There is the misconception that women don't like to be pursued or romanced anymore.
Michael and Mae met via a photograph hence the title, but they are instantly attracted to one another. It's the type of attraction your grandfather had to your grandmother very reminiscent of old fashion love.
I love how Michael trusted his instincts, and despite past romances, he knew what he felt with Mae was different. Mae, on the other hand, was the one that hesitated. It's often assumed that men are the ones that are afraid of love; however, this isn't always the case.
The other aspect that I loved about this film is the cinematography. Mark Schwartzband understood that this film was about falling in love and gave every frame a loving touch. Another highpoint for The Photograph is the music. Robert Glasper infused the film with cool jazz vibes along with some old-fashioned neo-soul. I also appreciated costume designer Keri Langerman putting Issa in colors that complimented her beautiful skin tone.
The pace of this film is more like a slow breeze than instant collusion. Many may have an issue with that; however, love should not be rushed, and that's what The Photograph is trying to tell us. Sometimes love is a smooth drink that slowly fills up our souls.
The other story in The Photograph is about Mae's relationship with her mother. Her hesitancy about love is because of Christina. Christina raised her at a distance. We are taught how to love from our parents. That imagery carries into adulthood.
Michael, on the other hand, seems surer about love because he is surrounded by it. His brother Kyle played by Lil Rell, is happily married with kids.
Their relationships with their immediate family help frame their point of entry with each other.
LaKeith Stansfield had a stellar 2019 with roles in two award-winning films his turn as Michael cements his star status. There is zero doubt that he is a leading man. He's sexy, smart, and smooth.
I like that Issa Rae is trying to show us that she is more than a comedic actress, but I wanted more range from her. Mae is dealing with a myriad of emotions, and it felt like she was afraid to be vulnerable. The Photograph is far from a perfect film, but what it shows excellently is that Black Love is very much alive. Black people deserve to see more positive depictions of two people falling in love. I can see this film becoming a stable for date nights and future Valentine Days. I also hope that this inspires more filmmakers to talk about love.
Scale: I give this film an 8. It nice to see black people fall in love.
Diversity: This film gets a 10: all-black cast, two brown-skinned leads, and zero stereotypes.