Looking for answers is what Mae Morton’s (played by Issa Rae) life has become about. It begins when she finds a hidden family photograph after the death of her mother. That find then leads to an investigation into the life of her estranged mother, well known photographer Christina Eames. Secrets begin to tumble out of closets.
At the same time she finds herself becoming involved with up and coming journalist, Michael Block (played by Lakeith Stanfield). Michael and Mae meet because he is writing an article about her mother.
The film is held up by the great on screen chemistry of the two leads – Lakeith Stanfield and Issa Rae. Sizzling stuff! Both are also excellent individually in the portrayal of their characters.
Storywise, the focus is on the subject of the choices we make in life. The how, why, when and what. Fascinating stuff. Highly relatable as we all have different decisions we have to make which send our lives off in one direction or another. Part of the human condition.
Writer-director Stella Meghie has really focused on surrounding her leads with atmosphere. The proper one. Every details has been thought of to support the story from the great jazzy score to the incredible visuals. At times it almost feels like a modern take on film noir.
Yet in a rather intelligent and sensitive way this is not a mystery, even though it has some of that genre’s elements. It is more a film about life and the choices we make. Then how those choices influence how our lives roll out. Most certainly Meghie’s film is a drama. With a nice mix of heavier moments which will make you reference your own life or choices with moments which are just plain sweet.
Special Features:
-Digital Copy
-Shooting The Photograph
-Culture in Film
-The Film Through Photographs