Love, Brooklyn delivers sharp writing, great performances, and NYC charm, though its final act feels more surface-level than it should.
Director: Rachael Abigail Holder
Genre: Drama
Run Time: 97′
Sundance Film Festival Premiere: January 27, 2025
Release Date: TBA
Some films capture the spirit of a place so vividly that the city itself becomes a character. Love, Brooklyn, the Rachael Abigail Holder’s debut feature, is one of those movies. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Brooklyn, the film explores love, loss, and personal reinvention with humor and honesty.
While it occasionally loses focus and the final act feels more surface-level than it could have been, Holder’s keen direction and Paul Zimmerman’s sharp screenplay make for an engaging and heartfelt watch. Bolstered by a stellar cast with electric chemistry, Love, Brooklyn offers a refreshing take on modern romance and personal growth.
At the heart of the film is André Holland’s Roger, a free-spirited, charismatic man who finds his match in DeWanda Wise’s Nicole, a no-nonsense single mother who challenges his laid-back approach to life and relationships. Their dynamic is the film’s strongest element, with Wise delivering a standout performance that balances warmth, wit, and emotional depth. Nicole Beharie also shines as Casey, an art gallery owner whose relationship with Roger is undergoing a transformation, mirroring the changes happening in the Brooklyn arts scene.
The screenplay blends humor and drama, capturing the uncertainties of love and career in a way that feels deeply relatable. The characters are at a crossroads, grappling with their past while trying to navigate an unpredictable future. The film’s themes of reinvention and adaptation resonate, particularly in a city where change is constant.
That said, the film isn’t without its flaws. While the first two acts feel rich and layered, the last 30 minutes skim the surface of the emotional stakes rather than fully diving in. Some conflicts feel unresolved or underdeveloped, leaving certain storylines feeling incomplete. Additionally, the movie occasionally loses focus, juggling multiple perspectives without always giving them the depth they deserve.
Despite these shortcomings, Love, Brooklyn is an impressive debut for Holder, marking her as a filmmaker to watch. Her direction is assured, and she draws some of the best performances from her cast. The chemistry between the actors makes the relationships feel lived-in and authentic, elevating the film even when the narrative stumbles.
Ultimately, Love, Brooklyn is a charming and thoughtful meditation on love and change in a city that never stays the same. While it’s not without its flaws, its sharp writing, compelling performances, and affectionate portrayal of Brooklyn make it a worthwhile and compelling watch.
Love, Brooklyn: Movie Plot & Recap
Synopsis:
In a changing Brooklyn, Roger, Nicole, and Casey navigate love, career, and personal growth while confronting the uncertainties of their futures.
Pros:
- Stellar performances, especially from DeWanda Wise and André Holland
- Sharp and engaging screenplay with humor and emotional depth
- Authentic chemistry among the cast
Cons:
- The last 30 minutes feel underdeveloped
- Occasionally loses focus with multiple perspectives
Love, Brooklyn had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025.
