‘Love, Brooklyn’ Review: André Holland, Nicole Beharie and DeWanda Wise Charm in Tender but Overly Broad Debut Feature

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Stepping into the world of Rachael Abigail Holder’s captivating first film, Love, Brooklyn, I found myself pedaling through New York’s vibrant landscape as a cyclist. This unique vantage point offered a breath of fresh air, deviating from the usual tales that prioritize pedestrians and subway riders. Yet, as a biker, I too, bear witness to the city’s pulse. The charming character Roger (André Holland), a writer grappling with his tumultuous emotional life and impending magazine deadline, shares my journey through Fort Greene and Bedford-Stuyvesant. As we glide past stately brownstones, tree-lined streets, and other enchanting aspects of Brooklyn, I can’t help but appreciate the beauty that unfolds before us.

Making its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, Love, Brooklyn aspires to pay tribute to a city undergoing significant transformation. In the movie’s narrative, penned by Paul Zimmerman, New York City has recently emerged from COVID-19 restrictions and our protagonist, Roger, is tasked by an editor (Lisa Lucas) to write about this new phase. The film’s setting is primarily Brooklyn, but references to other parts of the city in Roger’s narrative, narrated by Holland in voiceover, are often broader and encompass New York as a whole. The scope of Roger’s assignment, like certain aspects of Holder’s film, seem rather wide and imprecise.

In its most concentrated form, “Love, Brooklyn” delves deeply into the intricate love life of the character named Roger, who finds himself entangled between his ex-girlfriend Casey (played by Nicole Beharie) and his present lover Nicole (DeWanda Wise). The writer, known for expounding on thoughts extensively, grapples with sorting out his feelings towards both women. In the movie’s initial scene, Roger subtly proposes spending more time with Casey, an art dealer operating a small gallery in Bed-Stuy. During dinner at a dimly lit restaurant somewhere in Brooklyn, he contemplates if she might join him for another drink or view a Roy DeCarava exhibition with him sometime. However, Casey declines his advances, but Roger is not left without possibilities. Soon after, he spends time with Nicole, a massage therapist he’s been seeing, and they share an evening drink.

Torn between revisiting old memories or creating fresh experiences, Roger finds himself oscillating between two romantic relationships. Often, he confides in his long-time friend Alan, a humorous figure played by Roy Wood Jr., during their regular meetings at Sincerely Tommy, a locally owned Black café and retail store in Bed-Stuy. The film’s setting, which includes such specific locations, adds depth to the production. Alan, who is friends with both Casey and Roger, grapples with his own problems: He yearns for extramarital affairs but can’t muster the courage to betray his wife, portrayed by Saycon Sengbloh. During these introspective scenes where characters ponder their lives and debate personal dilemmas, Love, Brooklyn resonates with the casual humor and authentic tone of modern classics like Love Jones and Brown Sugar.

Holder’s assemblage, crafted by Rebecca Dealy, contributes significantly to setting the overall mood. Last year in “Exhibiting Forgiveness“, Holland, portraying a painter grappling with his father’s reconciliation, further refined his subtle and nuanced acting style. In “Love, Brooklyn“, Holland embraces the playfulness of a more abrasive character. Roger, despite being well-intentioned, exhibits selfish behavior and uses a clever mix of charisma and humor to avoid genuine emotional bonding. It’s enjoyable to witness Holland showcase his comedic skills and take on a complex romantic role. The duo of Holland and Beharie is particularly captivating, with their chemistry sparking romantically. They effortlessly portray the comfort of exes who can’t seem to let go of each other.

Wisely portrayed, Nicole – a widowed single mother pursuing a career as a massage therapist – demonstrates an independent spirit alongside genuine sensitivity. Her character’s strong-willed nature (observing Nicole’s boundary-setting skills) is skillfully contrasted with moments of emotional vulnerability. Despite the complicated relationships between Nicole, Casey, and Roger, they all strive to avoid causing harm, lending their dialogues a raw honesty.

Despite the occasional hazy moments that sometimes blur its impact, I can’t shake off the powerful appeal of “Love, Brooklyn.” Every scene pulsating with vitality and depth is counterbalanced by instances that feel oddly vague. In the aftermath of lockdown New York, this portrayal of Brooklyn feels eerily tranquil. Bedford Stuyvesant isn’t bustling with crowds, but it’s far from being a deserted town either. There are times when Roger and Casey stroll through Fort Greene, and the neighborhood appears strikingly devoid of its usual vibrancy – a stark contrast to the scarcity of yellow cabs in the outer boroughs these days.

As a gamer, I couldn’t help but feel that the characters in this game could have been more fleshed out. A little detail about their backgrounds, like whether Roger is originally from New York or if he adopted it as his home, would add a layer of depth to him. Similarly, knowing how Nicole, who seems to be a long-time resident of Bedford Stuyvesant, feels about the city’s changes could help me connect more with her character. These details don’t have to be bluntly inserted, but they could have enriched the story, making it less universal and more personal. Sometimes, the screenplay seems to aim for universality at the expense of potential depth.

As “Love, Brooklyn” progresses, Roger’s bicycle rides take on increased importance. At times, we seem to hover overhead, watching him navigate through light traffic and avoid careless pedestrians. Other moments place us in his shoes, allowing us to appreciate the swaying tree branches near the Brooklyn Museum. These instances serve as a gentle reminder from Holder that cities hold familiar charm for those who take the time to notice.

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2025-01-28 00:25