Review of The Photograph (2020) by Stream2Bigscree — 16 Feb 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 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.