The Photograph - Laine JoBond

 Overview

 Micheal (LaKeith Lee Stanfield) and Mae (Issa Rae) are two individuals focused on their work who both have rough histories with love. When Michael ends up doing research on Mae's mother shortly after her death, it brings them closer together and forces them both to confront their old emotional wounds. This film not only looks at navigating a new romance, but also focuses on how we can grow from pain. 

Trailer

                                                                                   

  Film Screenshots

                                                   Michael finds out that Mae will be at an event for work and is able to use his job as a writer/photographer to get an invite and see her. He asks her out after she figures this out and he tries to play it cool but lets on that he is nervous.

 

Michael and Mae end up in Mae's hometown in Louisiana, and find the old darkroom Mae's Mother used. They share a tender moment where they talk about how their pasts have impacted them. 

 

The Films Significance

Released on Valentines day, this movie is a beautiful, sensual look at two individuals finding each other and bonding through healing together. It was written and directed by Stella Meghie, who wanted to make a movie showing a Black relationship that was healing for both of it's protagonists, especially the woman lead. This movie looks at generational trauma and how it can effect a persons ability to trust and love. It also shows how building a healthy, loving relationship can help heal a heart. It looks at the close, interpersonal relationships we have with the people around us and how they help build who we are and how we love.

 

Discussion Questions

Mae and Michael build a relationship together while helping one another through each others pain, what does this impact within their relationship and how does that impact how the viewer sees their relationship?

 

This movie heavily includes themes of generational trauma and past hurt, and uses a romantic relationship to show how the characters deal with this pain and grow, does this feed into the idea that a relationship can "fix" a person?