In her feature debut, director Rachael Holder captures the heart and complexities of Brooklyn in Love, Brooklyn, a poignant exploration of love, loss, and moving forward. The film premiered at Sundance as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition and stars André Holland as Roger, a writer grappling with the shifting identity of the city he once cherished.
Written by Paul Zimmerman, the story follows Roger as he navigates his relationships with ex-girlfriend Casey, played by Nicole Beharie, and single mother Nicole, portrayed by DeWanda Wise. At a crossroads in his life, Roger finds himself torn between lingering attachments and the possibility of new beginnings.
While the narrative unfolds at a steady pace, the emotional weight of the characters’ struggles is palpable. Casey, an art curator, draws parallels between her life and the myth of Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt after looking back, symbolizing her own hesitance to let go. She reflects on Black creatives like James Baldwin and Henry Ossawa Tanner leaving the U.S. for a more accepting France, a subtle nod to Roger’s search for his own path.
Nicole, on the other hand, wrestles with the memory of her late husband and her fears of opening up to Roger, despite her young daughter Ally’s eagerness to embrace him. Meanwhile, Casey faces a tough decision about selling the gallery she inherited from her grandmother, questioning her place in a Brooklyn that no longer feels like home.
The film uses the changing streets of Brooklyn as a metaphor for personal transformation. For Roger, accepting the borough’s evolution becomes a journey of finding peace and meaning in his life. Zimmerman’s script delves into contemporary themes of love, relationships, and family, offering a deeply relatable look at the modern experience.
Adding a touch of humor, Roy Wood Jr. plays Alan, a longtime friend who brings levity as he contemplates an affair, much to the amusement of his wife Beth, played by Saycon Sengbloh. Their dynamic serves as a refreshing counterpoint, offering Roger a glimpse of what stability and happiness might look like.
Holder’s direction paints Brooklyn and its residents in a warm, romantic light, celebrating its imperfections while delivering a bittersweet yet fulfilling resolution to the love triangle at the film’s core. Producers André Holland, Kate Sharp, Patrick Wengler, Maurice Anderson, and Liza Zusman round out the team behind this heartfelt ode to one of America’s most iconic cities.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, Love, Brooklyn is represented by Creative Artists Agency for sales and promises to leave audiences reflecting on the beauty of change and the courage it takes to embrace it.
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