Beautiful visuals can tell beautiful stories, and “The Photograph”, a romance film that floats between two cities, to capture two love stories, spread over 4 decades, does just that with sharp direction and a really likeable cast.
We begin with the death of famous New York Photographer, Christina Eames, who’s past is a mystery to her daughter, Mae (played by Issa Rae). When journalist Michael (LaKeith Stanfield) and Mae begin working together to discover more about Christina and her lost love Issac, they build a love story of their own that must overcome many of the same obstacles to find ultimate happiness.
It’s just a fine world to wander around in a story like this.
Director Stella Meghie, gives us fantastic looking flashbacks to 1980s Louisiana while seamlessly jumping back to modern day New York during a rain storm. It’s a warm film that glows just bright enough while not losing any of the magic that allows you to really get close to these characters. Rae and Stanfield have some special chemistry and the supporting cast all throws in some great dialog to engage with each other.
One thing to note is that this is a hangout movie.
I say that because you’re going to spend a lot of time with the characters as they wander around and talk. Everyone here is discovering more as the film progresses and while the progression is handled in an excellent fashion and is one of the best parts of the movie, it might not be for everyone.
Still, if it is for you, then The Photograph is a romantic winner.
The Photograph
GRADE: B
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Rated: PG 13