Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha shine in “Sylvie’s Love,” a captivating black love story set against the backdrop of the Jazz scene in New York City. The movie, directed by Eugene Ashe, brings back the charm of Classic Hollywood Romances from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but with a fresh twist.
“Sylvie’s Love” is a romantic period piece that embraces the style and essence of Old Hollywood while introducing more diversity, which is a welcome change. The story begins in the summer of 1957 when Sylvie and Robert meet in New York. Sylvie is working in her father’s record store while dreaming of a career in television, a rare ambition for a black woman at that time. Robert, on the other hand, is a promising saxophonist on the cusp of success. To earn extra money and get closer to Sylvie, Robert takes a part-time job at the record store. Their friendship soon blossoms into love, but as summer ends, they are forced to go their separate ways.
Years later, their paths cross again, and the old spark between them is still burning. The big question is whether they can find a way to be together or if it’s too late for them.
From their first scene together, Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha display incredible on-screen chemistry, delivering performances that stay with you. This film is a pure romance, unashamedly staying true to the genre. If you’re looking for a cynical take on love, this isn’t the movie for you. Instead, it offers deep conversations in a record store and slow dances in the streets of a beautifully lit NYC.
What stood out most was the development of Sylvie and Robert’s characters. Sylvie is a well-rounded character with her own ups and downs, and she remains relatable and believable throughout. Robert’s journey through the evolving jazz scene, especially with Motown’s rise, adds an intriguing layer to the story.
I found myself rooting for both characters to achieve their dreams and reunite. As a fan of happy endings, this movie hit the right notes for me.
The supporting cast, which includes Regé-Jean Page, Eva Longoria, Tone Bell, Lance Reddick, and Aja Naomi King, all deliver strong performances, contributing to the film’s overall brilliance.
“Sylvie’s Love” is the romantic movie we need right now. By focusing on characters that Hollywood has long overlooked, it breathes new life into the romance genre. The film is sweet but not overly sentimental, with an authentic script, direction, and a fantastic soundtrack. The chemistry between the actors, along with excellent lighting, production design, and cinematography, creates a nostalgic yet vibrant feel of a romantic NYC that no longer exists.
Overall, “Sylvie’s Love” is one of the best movies of 2020, and more people should definitely give it a watch. The film is rated PG-13 and includes some sensual scenes and adult themes, but nothing overly explicit. It’s available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. If you’ve seen “Sylvie’s Love,” share your thoughts in the comments!
