“The Photograph” (2020) is a romantic drama film directed by Stella Meghie and written by Stella Meghie. The film stars Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield in the leading roles, with supporting performances from Chante Adams, Y’lan Noel, and Lil Rel Howery. Set in both the present day and the past, The Photograph explores love, loss, and the deep connections that shape individuals’ lives.
Plot Summary
The Photograph centers on Mae Morton (Issa Rae), a successful, independent museum curator who is dealing with the recent death of her estranged mother, Christina Eames (Chante Adams). Christina was a photographer with a mysterious past, and after her death, Mae uncovers a box of her mother’s photographs, along with a series of personal letters that suggest a deeper, untold story about her mother’s life and love affairs.
As Mae begins to piece together her mother’s history, she forms a romantic connection with Michael Block (Lakeith Stanfield), a reporter who is assigned to write an article about Christina’s work as a photographer. Michael is immediately drawn to Mae, and the two embark on a complicated love affair that parallels the emotional journey Mae undertakes as she uncovers more about her mother’s past.
The film shifts between the present-day romance between Mae and Michael, and flashbacks to Christina’s earlier life, where we see the struggles and choices she made in her own romantic relationships. As Mae explores her mother’s past, she must confront her own fears about love and intimacy, and Michael’s presence in her life forces her to face the unresolved issues surrounding her family and her own emotional walls.
As the story unfolds, The Photograph reveals how the past and present intertwine, with themes of forgiveness, healing, and self-discovery at its core. The emotional depth of the film is rooted in the exploration of the connections between mothers and daughters, and the lasting impact of love and loss.
Themes
- Love and Relationships: The central theme of The Photograph is the complexity of love and how it shapes individuals’ lives. Both Mae and Christina experience love in different ways, and their relationships with the men in their lives reflect the challenges, joys, and sacrifices that come with deep emotional connections. The film explores how love can be transformative but also complicated by personal insecurities and unresolved issues.
- Family and Legacy: The relationship between Mae and her late mother, Christina, is a major focus of the film. Mae’s journey of discovering more about her mother’s past reflects the ways in which family legacies shape who we are, even when we are unaware of them. The story asks questions about the things we inherit from our parents—both in terms of traits and unresolved emotional baggage—and how they impact the way we live our lives.
- Healing from Loss: Mae’s emotional journey is about learning to heal from the grief of losing her mother, especially when they were never close. The film delves into how loss can force individuals to confront their unresolved emotions, while also allowing them to grow and find new connections. Both Mae and Michael are dealing with past losses and must come to terms with the impact those experiences have on their present lives.
- Self-Discovery and Vulnerability: Both Mae and Michael must face their own fears and insecurities as they navigate their romance. For Mae, her mother’s death serves as a catalyst for self-reflection, forcing her to evaluate her relationships and fears of intimacy. Michael, too, is a character who grapples with his own emotional vulnerabilities. Their evolving relationship is about learning to open up to each other and themselves, discovering what they truly want out of life and love.
- The Power of Art and Memory: Christina’s work as a photographer plays a central role in the story, representing the ways in which art can capture moments of beauty, emotion, and history. The photographs become a way for Mae to connect with her mother and understand her better, with the pictures serving as tangible memories that allow her to explore the emotional landscape of the past.
Cast and Characters
- Issa Rae as Mae Morton: Mae is a successful and independent museum curator who is dealing with the death of her estranged mother. Rae plays Mae with a quiet intensity, capturing the character’s emotional complexity and her journey of self-discovery.
- Lakeith Stanfield as Michael Block: Michael is a journalist who becomes romantically involved with Mae while also writing an article about her mother. Stanfield’s performance is grounded and sincere, portraying Michael as someone who is also working through his own past traumas and emotional baggage.
- Chante Adams as Christina Eames: Christina, Mae’s mother, is a photographer whose past becomes an important part of the story. Adams plays Christina in flashbacks, revealing the complexities of her character and her relationships over the years.
- Y’lan Noel as Andy: Andy is Mae’s ex-boyfriend, who still has feelings for her. His character acts as a contrast to Michael, adding tension to the romantic plotlines as Mae navigates her feelings for both men.
- Lil Rel Howery as Kelvin: Kelvin is Michael’s friend, providing comic relief and supporting his emotional growth as he navigates his relationship with Mae.
Style and Tone
The Photograph employs a slow, contemplative pacing, focusing heavily on the emotional development of its characters. The film blends romance with deep personal introspection, offering viewers a reflection on the complexities of relationships and the healing process. The tone of the film is generally soft and reflective, marked by intimate moments and emotionally charged scenes that explore the vulnerability of the characters.
Director Stella Meghie brings a fresh perspective to the romantic drama genre, using the photography motif to evoke emotional connections across time. The cinematography is lush and cinematic, with a distinct visual style that highlights the warmth and intimacy of the characters’ connections. Flashbacks to Christina’s past are used effectively to juxtapose the present-day romance between Mae and Michael, providing a narrative that bridges the generational gap between mother and daughter.
Reception
The Photograph was released on February 14, 2020, by Universal Pictures and received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and themes. Critics particularly praised the chemistry between Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, with many noting how their grounded, authentic portrayals of love and relationships stood out in a genre often dominated by formulaic storytelling.
The film’s exploration of family dynamics, the impact of art, and emotional vulnerability resonated with audiences, making it a strong offering for fans of romantic dramas with more depth. The film’s pacing and focus on character development, while deliberate, were appreciated by viewers looking for a thoughtful, reflective take on love and loss.
Conclusion
The Photograph (2020) is a moving and tender romantic drama that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. With strong performances from Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, the film offers a fresh and heartfelt take on the genre, focusing on emotional complexity and the connections that bind us. Through its exploration of a mother-daughter relationship and a budding romance, The Photograph provides an intimate look at how the past shapes our present and how love can serve as a pathway to healing
