Written and Directed by Eugene Ashe
Starring Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha and Aja Naomi King
Running time: 1 hour and 54 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13 for smoking and sexual content 

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport 

“Extraordinary.”

I’m not always big on the Hollywood ending. There have been times when I have actively scoffed or batted my hand at the screen when experiencing a picture that ends all packaged up with a pretty bow. However, in 2020 no one will find me complaining about a happy ending. In fact, I find it to be the precise medicine needed for this hellacious year. While Sylvie’s Love doesn’t have a practically perfect in every way closure, the story comes pretty darn close. 

Former music recording artist Eugene Ashe’s sophomore feature Sylvie’s Love is the type of movie cinephiles like me dream about. I have found a film like this only comes along every few years or so and I never take them for granted. Sylvie’s Love opens in New York City in 1962 with an elegant Syvlie (Tessa Thompson) waiting outside a concert hall. (Un)Fortunately she is stood up and, just when she thinks she will be attending the concert alone, much like an old Cary Grant or Ginger Rogers flick, a blast from her past drops out of thin air to accompany her. Upon being introduced to Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha), the story travels back in time to five years ago, when the two first met. 

When the story flashes back, Sylvie is found working in her father’s record shop in Harlem. After budding musician Robert spies a “help wanted” sign in the window, he drifts into the shop to inquire about the job. Initially, their meeting gets off to a bit of a bumpy start, yet it is easy to see there is chemistry between them. When Sylvie’s father decides to hire Robert, it only takes a mere couple of shifts for the two to hit it off. The only problem is, Sylvie is engaged to a man that is currently overseas at war, obviously throwing a wrench into their courtship. 

There are some delightful moments, reminiscent of a Hepburn and Tracy flick. It can’t be understated that the performances from both Thompson and Asomugha are sensational, but it is truly Thompson that shines in her role as Sylvie. There is something about seeing her in this time period that just felt incredibly right. Everything suits her from the late fifties and early sixties wardrobe, hair styles and impeccable production design/sets. 

When Robert invites Sylvie to one of his performances at a jazz club in the city, Sylvie reluctantly attends with her outgoing cousin, Mona. Seeing Robert walk Sylvie home afterwards and then request a goodnight kiss found my small heart at that moment, much like the Grinch on Christmas, growing three sizes. 

What I enjoyed most about this film is that it is a simple premise that does not get lost in itself. It is about love, dreams and finding, not just your companion in life but, your passion. Sylvie, an avid television viewer of such programs as I Love Lucy, aspires to produce series of her own. Whereas Robert hopes to be a saxophonist. Of course, like any person living life on this blue and green marble, there are bumps along the way and things that keep them from one another but, in the end, they get to the place in which they belong. Also, as in life, their sacrifices and their end is not total bliss, but I was left feeling they were gonna make it because they had each other.

I loved spending time with these characters and it was so interesting to see this type of story being played out by a mostly all African American cast. Much of the 1930s and 40s romances and dramas that I have consumed feature stories of white people. It was refreshing to see this type of tale get the turn it so rightfully deserves. It left me with a much better feeling than when I had seen 2016’s, La La Land. Unlike Chazelle’s opus, Sylvie’s Love shows a different point of view rather than rehashing the tinsel and glitz from old Hollywoodland. The characters were far more interesting and intriguing to watch. This could especially be said for Sylvie, who served more than just a love interest, but was someone who was knowledgeable about music (yes! even Jazz) and had ambitions of her own. She was a complex character just as much as Robert and I loved seeing their stories unfold. 

My only let down is that I didn’t have the opportunity to see the lush colors, beautiful lighting design and marvelous cinematography on the big screen (damn you 2020). Regardless, this charming flick should be on everyone’s watch list this holiday season as it is a reminder of the magic of the movies. 

Sylvie’s Love is available to watch exclusively on Amazon Prize today.