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- 2020
- PG-13
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 46 m
- 2020
- PG-13
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 46 m
Summary When famed photographer Christina Eames unexpectedly dies, she leaves her estranged daughter Mae Morton (Issa 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-st...
Directed By: Stella Meghie
Written By: Stella Meghie
- 2020
- PG-13
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 46 m
- 2020
- PG-13
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 46 m
The Photograph
62
5.9
Where to Watch
Summary When famed photographer Christina Eames unexpectedly dies, she leaves her estranged daughter Mae Morton (Issa 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-st...
Directed By: Stella Meghie
Written By: Stella Meghie
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 27 Critic Reviews
62
67% Positive
18 Reviews
18 Reviews
33% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 27 Critic Reviews
62
67% Positive
18 Reviews
18 Reviews
33% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Written and directed by Stella Meghie, the film is a gentle and attentive inter-generational tale with a first-rate cast.
Meghie’s films don’t conform to conventional plot structure; her approach is more musical, more fluid. As a result, her rhythms are sometimes a little off, as the plot wanders down this or that detour. On the plus side, she makes time for naturalistic conversations.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 35 User Ratings
5.9
43% Positive
15 Ratings
15 Ratings
37% Mixed
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
20% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 35 User Ratings
5.9
43% Positive
15 Ratings
15 Ratings
37% Mixed
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
20% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
I thought it was a cute love movie. Full of Black Love! I wish it would have got a little more exposure through the media. I enjoy the the cast. The leading female and male did a wonderful job, soundtrack was everything. We need more black love movies, Congratulations to the entire cast and kudos to the writer and Director/ Producer.
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Although the film sometimes dips into muddled melodrama, those occasional setbacks can’t derail a story filled with warm, resonant characters trying to fathom their own hearts.
Meghie’s film is a paean to the push and pull between enchanting possibilities and chimerical probabilities. You don’t need to bring a handkerchief into the theater for fear of ocular leakage, but The Photograph’s modestly hopeful denouement is, truly, picture perfect.
In the end, it’s up to Rae (“Insecure”), at her most glamorous, and Stanfield (“Knives Out”) at his most romantic to put this over. And as they do, The Photograph develops into something rare in the movies this and most Valentine’s Days — a romance that feels romantic.
The Photograph comes down with a teary case of "The Notebook," laying on flashbacks that yank us out of the present, where our stars live, and into a past riddled with sentimental clichés.
Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield can’t save this dreary Valentine’s drama that lacks fizzle and emotional stakes.
The Photograph is unable to avoid falling into some classic genre cliches, but strong chemistry from Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield make for an above average romance flick. The pacing can be inconsistent, but not enough to take away from the film's overall impact.
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It’s solid romantic drama stuff. I’ve loved Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield since before they blew up, and they have great chemistry here. I guess the film’s biggest issue is its pacing and tones, which switch from light and playful to monotonous and slow without warning.
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The Photograph – Needs Fresh Developer
It can’t get much more boring than this turgid ‘romantic’ soap. It’s a movie that’s been created to sell a soundtrack, with rather bland, nonstop songs filling in for the lack of any worthwhile writing. Coochy love scenes standing in for any real emotional commitment does not a good movie make. Looks good but plays empty.
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I rate this movie a 3 at best! I agree with JLuis_001 review. Emotionless and very predictable. I think maybe I was expecting more from this movie that what I actually got. I was expecting more of a black love story of the likes of the Notebook, or Brown Sugar, Jasons Lyric etc. This wasnt even close to any of those.There wasnt anything that seemed to be at stake of losing, the relationship seemed more like a friendship with benefits than anything else. I wish they had better chemistry and that there was definitely more background on the characters.
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Production Company
Perfect World Pictures,
Will Packer Productions
Release Date Feb 14, 2020
Duration 1 h 46 m
Rating PG-13
Awards
ReFrame
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
People's Choice Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
Image Awards (NAACP)
• 1 Nomination
