THE PHOTOGRAPH

by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor

Mae Morton (Issa Rae) is a museum curator grappling with the death of her estranged mother, a famed photographer who leaves her daughter a letter explaining her journey. The letter leaves Mae unsure of how to proceed, until she connects with journalist Michael Block (Lakeith Stanfield), who is working on his own story about Mae’s mom.

The story travels back and forth from present to past in a languorous mode, this is a film, not a movie. The film’s coloring takes on rich neutral tones, which allow the viewer to settle into a touching tale of love – between mother and daughter, romantic love, new love and being in love with your dreams and ambitions.

In the Shadow And Act article, Rae talks about the unexpectedness of the role – “I was laughing when I got this role,” the Insecure creator reflected. “When I got made up for it I just had to laugh because I said, ‘They’ve got me out here being a Nia Long and I joked about that in Awkward Black Girl.’ That was something really cool and flattering about that. I never imagined playing the object of affection”.

But I feel this is a new role for Standfield as well, in “Sorry to Bother You” he was a quirky kinda bro; in “Knives Out” the character is supposed to be observant, so he kinda fades into the background, but in “The Photograph” he smolders 🔥 Very Sexy!!!

Also enjoyable, Lil Rel Howery from “Get Out” once again offers nice comic relief. And the mid-80’s soundtrack of all my favorite songs.

#ThePhotograph, female writer and director Stella Meghie reflects on her inspirations – “When I was 16 I watched “Love Jones” on repeat. It was an adult, sexy, intellectual, sophisticated kind of love. That film shaped me a lot. “Love & Basketball” was a big thing for me. Gina Prince-Bythewood is a definite inspiration. “Hav Plenty” as well.”…

T&T the Large Association of Movie Blogs (aka the LAMb) rating: 3.5 outta 5