‘Love, Brooklyn’ is vivid and real about its title setting, not so its romantic triangle

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Love, Brooklyn” is a heartfelt romantic story set in Brooklyn that tackles themes like gentrification and Black nostalgia. This production features engaging actors and captures the allure of New York’s constantly evolving borough in a soft, dreamy light. However, it may seem overly contrived at times, making it difficult for some viewers to connect emotionally with its portrayal of contemporary love struggles among disillusioned individuals.

Rachael Abigail Holder’s debut as a director presents a visually appealing snapshot of old brownstones, modern hot spots, shaded streets, and hillside parks – all set against the backdrop of loss and change. André Holland, both producer and star of the film, delivers a captivating performance as Roger, a writer struggling with two significant relationships. He masterfully portrays a charming yet melancholic despair. However, the movie maintains this postcard-like appeal, refraining from deepening or intensifying its depictions of longing and distress beyond a heartfelt, but shallow exploration. Instead of developing tension or providing more intricate details – as a love letter might do, stirring both discomfort and comfort at once.

Living and cycling his city day and night, giving off an unshakable feeling of belonging, Roger – hailing from Holland but a true Brooklynite at heart – is displeased by the gentrification of his beloved neighborhoods, which he finds distasteful due to excessive money. This issue stirs him up during a lively, alcohol-fueled conversation with gallery owner Casey (played vividly by Nicole Beharie), who is grappling with the future of her family’s longstanding business that’s facing difficulties. Although they are former partners and have moved on, Roger and Casey share an amicable banter and might still harbor lingering feelings for each other.

Roger’s strong disapproval towards gentrification doesn’t drive him to meet his deadline for what he now sees as a deceitful assignment about the changing Brooklyn. Instead, he finds himself drawn to late-night encounters with massage therapist Nicole (DeWanda Wise), a single mom who lost her spouse recently. They have an easygoing relationship, and Nicole’s daughter is aware of their friendship. However, Nicole subtly suggests to Roger that there might be room for more depth in their connection.

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In our last newsletter for 2025, published by Sundance Daily, we share updates from the creators of ‘Love, Brooklyn’, suggest two thrilling new horror films, and offer additional recommendations.

Paul Zimmerman penned ‘Love, Brooklyn,’ a story where characters’ professions seem fittingly intertwined with the plot’s central dilemma of whether to revisit the past or venture into the future. Roger’s art dealer job bridges traditional methods and modern wealth, massage therapists touch on emotional pressure points, while writing is a constant attempt to understand it all. Even Alan (played by Roy Wood Jr., with his dry humor), a married man feeling unfulfilled in his life, reflects the story’s theme of indecision, mirroring Roger’s struggle between Nicole and Casey. A witty comment from Alan about Roger’s indecisiveness is, “‘All of the above’ is not an answer,” encapsulating the narrative’s exploration of multiple paths.

However, while Holder’s nuanced, place-focused approach provides an opportunity for authentic, captivating drama, the script itself is too generic and lacking in specificity regarding the characters’ lives to maintain our interest. It seems that the film is stuck in a transitional phase between the broad appeal of a popular streaming romance and the raw intensity of a small, intellectual indie production.

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The cast members are tasked with delivering a remarkable performance using the limited material they’ve been given. Holland, fresh from his impressive role in the underrated film “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” brings such depth and complexity to Roger’s character that you might forget about the gaps in his backstory. His portrayal of prickly, awkward emotional turmoil is so magnetic that it captivates viewers.

Holland is accompanied by excellent acting partners like Beharie and Wise, who convincingly embody the emotions their characters feel towards Roger. They masterfully contain their pain in a way that makes every moment of expression feel deeply moving. As a trio, they are compelling to watch, but one can’t help but wish they had more substantial scenes together rather than just the loose framework provided by “Love, Brooklyn.

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2025-09-05 21:01