The Photograph follows the estranged daughter (Issa Rae) of a famous photographer, who falls in love with the journalist (Lakeith Stanfield) who is investigating her late mother’s life.
The synopsis reads: “When famed photographer Christina Eames unexpectedly dies, she leaves her estranged daughter Mae Morton (Rae) hurt, angry and full of questions.
“When a photograph tucked away in a safe-deposit box is found, Mae finds herself on a journey delving into her mother’s early life and ignites a powerful, unexpected romance with a rising-star journalist, Michael Block (Stanfield).”
The movie constantly switches between the past – going back to Rae’s parents – and the present love story between Rae and Stanfield.
Early reviews have called it a modern black romance, describing it as an unabashedly old-school love story for the brief time flashes it gives into the past.
The Photograph was written and directed by Stella Meghie and stars Chelsea Peretti, Lil Rel Howery and Courtney B. Vance, among others.
In March 2019, it was announced that Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield would both star in the film.
Shortly after, Chelsea Peretti, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Chanté Adams, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Y’lan Noel, Lil Rel Howery, Teyonah Parris, Rob Morgan, and Courtney B. Vance were added to the cast. Filming of the movie started in March 2020.
In America, the movie was released on Valentine’s day, 14 February 2020, and received favourable reviews. It was rated 76 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics’ consensus being: “Gorgeous visuals, an affecting love story, and simmering chemistry between Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield keep The Photograph solidly in focus.”
The Photograph has an audience score of 81 per cent, which makes it also an audience favourite. Much of what has been said about the movie includes the electrifying chemistry between Stanfield and Rae.
Audiences have also claimed that they loved the film for its portrayal of black love without any seemingly insurmountable tragedy.
In the UK and elsewhere, The Photograph is set for release tomorrow, 6 March.
Watch the trailer for The Photograph and let us know in the comments section below if you will be watching the movie.
9 thoughts on “Trailer Thursday: Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield are the perfect couple in ‘The Photograph’”