The Stream: Average and typical storyline

The Big Screen: Portrays as a love story for the ages

The Final Bill: A movie full of love, elegance, and timeless romance

– S2S: Movie Review
Director: Eugene Ashe
Writer: Eugene Ashe
Stars: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Eva Longoria | See full cast & crew 
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
Platform: Prime Video

Happy New Year, Streamers! I hope that 2021 gives you everything that 2020 surely did not deliver. For my own benefit, I hope the movie theaters and streaming services are full of movies that make me break my popcorn machine. While 2020 was light on memorable releases, it did end with at least one solid streaming option, Sylvie’s Love. The movie is described as “when a young woman meets an aspiring saxophonist in her father’s record shop in 1950s Harlem, their love ignites a sweeping romance that transcends changing times, geography, and professional success.” Let’s see if this is worth watching in the new year.

Sylvie’s Love succeeds in many aspects. First, the set and costume design are pretty remarkable. It’s like the viewer steps straight into a time machine and popped out into the streets of 1962 New York City. Next, while the love story and employment storylines may be average and typical, the acting and writing make quite the difference. Throughout the movie, each scene has a weight and air to it that grounds it. The movie moves effortlessly from hot and heavy to soft and saccharine. There are lines that are as insightful and poignant as they can be stinging. Tessa Thompson stars as Sylvie and continues her trail of above average roles. Nothing to be surprised by here though, especially not her slightly annoying voice. Opposite her, we have former NFL Superstar and Kerry Washington’s beaux, Nnamdi Asomugha. While still pretty new to cinema, I’m glad that Nnamdi was able to get a starring role because he was smooth as an aged cognac. Individually, they succeed; but the two together makes a star pairing. The producers, writers and director, Eugene Ashe, came together and painted a beautiful and classy creation.

This isn’t always a fairytale but with Sylvie’s Love we see what it means to sacrifice for love. Now, I’m sappy and I know this, but Black love is a wonderful thing to behold and Sylvie’s Love has it. This is truly an elegant delight to watch for you hopeless romantics out there. Nnamdi and Tessa’s chemistry is palpable and definitely worth the watch. Grab a big box of fresh popcorn and watch the novelettish film unfold.