LOVE, BROOKLYN
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About 20 minutes into Love, Brooklyn, Rachel Holder’s breezy romantic comedy, two of the main characters played by André Holland and Nicole Beharie amble through the Brooklyn Museum and sunny Prospect Park. The playful chemistry between the two exerts a sense of richness that brightens up the scene. It gives off a sentiment that’s fresh and reminiscent of some of the old New York rom-com classics. There’s clearly a vibe between the two and through the ever-changing borough. Holder’s feature directorial debut, with a witty script by Paul Zimmerman, explores the ever-sliding scale of modern-day relationships that is more grounded and relatable compared to various NYC-set romances. Full of delight and savviness, this contemporary tale (executive produced by Steven Soderbergh) barely speaks to urgent topics of the borough such as gentrification, civic engagement, or environmentalism. But maybe that’s what we need nowadays – a light-hearted testament to people living in the moment that makes us more present with them. It’s honestly refreshing to see a contemporary New York tale where almost every character is mature (enough, at least). While certain parts could have been more fleshed out, it doesn’t take away from the low-key charms and exuberance that make this film such an enjoyable watch.
Roger (Holland) is a writer who’s struggling to write an article on how Brooklyn has evolved post-COVID. It makes you wonder if that’s his only source of income. Also, how is he able to afford his swanky brownstone apartment?! Aside from that, when he’s not biking around Brooklyn (which he gazes at with a sense of wonder), he spends time with his ex-girlfriend Casey (Beharie) as they try to maintain a friendship with one another. They stroll around and goof off together, remnants of their past romance. The two may still struggle to settle into their platonic roles, but they’re still civil and chill around one another. While that relationship has yet to be properly figured out, Roger is slowly approaching a new phase with his lover Nicole (DeWanda Wise), a widowed single mother. He’s established a commitment-free routine with both women – hanging out with Casey one minute and then biking over to Nicole’s for sex another. Though Roger and Nicole’s intimate nights are frequently interrupted by her young daughter Ally (Cadence Reese), who’s eager to know the new man in her mom’s life. As Roger enters this new phase in his relationship with Nicole, he tries to figure out his place in both relationships. He does seem to be more focused on himself though, and these changing dynamics are bound to shake things up for him
The spotlight throughout the film isn’t just on Roger. Holder shines a light on the people around him and their own lives. Casey is struggling to keep her art gallery in business on a block that’s being redeveloped. It makes you wonder if her choosing to maintain a friendship with Roger is more of a coping mechanism. Nicole, who has no time for bullshit, is training to be a massage therapist while trying to raise Ally. Her relationship with Roger develops even more as she opens up to him about life as a single mother following the loss of her husband in an accident. DeWanda Wise perfectly expresses the grief her character seems to still be working through with even the smallest of gestures and facial expressions. Aside from the women in his life, Roger vents to his best friend Alan (a hilarious Roy Wood, Jr.), a married man having his own romantic dilemma. He constantly fantasizes about having extramarital affairs, even though he can’t bring himself to cheat on his wife. It seems that just about every character at the center is trying to figure out the state of their own lives and mitigate the dilemmas they grapple with. But Roger does need to be called out on his shit, and Casey and Nicole are the right people to do so.
Love, Brooklyn, despite its title, may not have the kind of social and geographical relevancy that some people may expect, compared to similar love stories like Medicine For Melancholy and Love Jones. But by focusing on the relationships at the center, there’s something fresh and hopeful about seeing people untangle from their pasts and move forward to a future with possibilities. Director Rachel Holder and writer Paul Zimmerman are all about emotions and chemistry here, and treat their characters with enough sensitivity. There’s a level of truth in just about every line of dialogue spoken. André Holland, who gave a heartbreaking performance last Sundance in Exhibiting Forgiveness, flexes his comedic chops well as someone who uses humor and charisma to deflect from a more emotional connection. He has plenty of chemistry with Beharie and Wise (solid performances from both as well), and the scenes where he interacts with them are always striking to watch. Even though it may be light in its plot, you’ll still be in for an entertaining, lovely, and upbeat watch that shines the city in a special romantic light.
– M.J. O’Toole (@mj_otoole93)
2025 Sundance Film Festival; Love,Brooklyn; Rachel Holder
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