Director Rachael Holder’s “Love, Brooklyn” attempts to capture the ebb and flow of life, love, and art against the backdrop of a rapidly gentrifying New York City. Despite its noble aspirations and clear affection for its setting, the film struggles to maintain narrative momentum and feels more like a pilot for a television series than a fully realized cinematic experience.
Holder assembles a talented cast, with André Holland delivering an effective performance as the charmingly aimless Roger, DeWanda Wise as the sharp-witted Nicole (thankfully she injects some much-needed energy into the otherwise meandering story line), and Nicole Beharie as a gallery owner grappling with both personal and professional change. Despite these strong performances, the characters remain underdeveloped, which left me yearning for a bit more complexity.
While the film admirably showcases black culture and perspectives often overlooked in similar “life in the city” narratives, the script is lacking. Conversations drift without resolution and plot lines remain frustratingly thin.
The movie touches on relatable topics like career struggles and shifting relationships, but the dialogue feels a bit aimless and the pacing drags. There are some nice visual moments showcasing Brooklyn and a great soundtrack, but those alone can’t carry the film.
“Love, Brooklyn” is a heartfelt but forgettable entry into the canon of New York love letters. While Holder shows promise as a filmmaker, this debut falls short of fully living up to its potential.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 