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[adamwatchesmovies]

The Photograph (2020)

The Photograph is a little slow to start but bear with it. The wait is worth it. You might even earn extra points for finding a movie with black leads that shows them simply as people.

After the unexpected death of famed photographer Christina Eames (Chanté Adams) her daughter, Mae Morton (Issa Rae) receives a letter. In it, Christina tells Mae what she couldn't while alive. A photograph included with the letter causes Mae to cross paths with a journalist researching Christina's past, Michael Block (Lakeith Stanfield). They connect and begin an unexpected romance.

The film’s plot is nothing revolutionary. You basically take your standard romantic comedy, strip away the stupid stuff we hate, replace it with real-life emotions, dial down the comedy, crank up the drama, and there you go. Does it make aspects of this picture by Canadian director Stella Meghie (who also writes) as predictable as a bouquet of flowers on February 14th? Maybe, but who’s going to say “no” to roses? Here, Issa Rae cements herself as an actress to watch. She’s vulnerable and strong, funny, and sexy with ease. As Mae begins recognizing her late mother as a woman with the same kind of insecurities and fears as anyone else instead of just “a mother”, Rae gets to show off her acting chops. She makes the slow story compelling. The way it comes together during the conclusion is particularly satisfying.

You could’ve made the film just about that internal relationship but it would’ve been dry. Intrigue is thrown in via the flashbacks to her Mae's mother. What's the big secret she's hiding? Sweetening the deal are a few moments of comedy with Lil Rel Howery as Michael’s brother. He’s quickly becoming one of my favorite black actors. Is he going to be a leading man? I’m not sure but he steals every scene he’s in. He makes you laugh but knows when to drop just the right amount of truth to go straight for your heart.

There’s drama, even some comedy here and the clencher is Lakeith Stanfield plus Issa Rae. They have terrific chemistry. You just want them to get together but you're in no rush. Seeing their flirtation is part of the fun. You’re anticipating their first kiss, their first night together. While Rae is playing someone completely different from what you've seen before, Stanfield is playing a character not all that dissimilar in demeanor from the man in "Sorry to Bother You" but the role fits him like a glove. Michael’s uncertainties are just enough to keep you wondering if the drama will have a happy ending without any of the turmoil feeling contrived or artificial.

The Photograph uses its stars well. Their chemistry goes a long way. As does the drama. If you’re taking a date to the theater - perhaps a belated Valentine’s Day outing? It won’t be long before you’ve both got your arms around each other. (Theatrical version on the big screen, February 16, 2020)