Sylvie’s Love Review: A Comforting & Familiar Love Story Led By Tessa Thompson
It is a story nearly as old as time: A boy and a lady meet and, due to extenuating circumstances, are unable to present into the palpable chemistry between them. Inevitably, although, they fall for one another, exhibiting that love triumphs over all. That oft-repeated plot could be very a lot the inspiration for Sylvie’s Love, an old fashioned romantic drama from writer-director Eugene Ashe. There’s loads about Sylvie’s Love that feels Familiar, from the meet cute to the trials and tribulations confronted by the main couple. But, there’s additionally an endearing timelessness to the proceedings, which occur within the late 1950s/early 60s and are firmly steeped throughout the tradition of these times. As a celebration of affection and music, Sylvie’s Love is a comforting and candy film that, whereas not breaking floor, is noteworthy in its earnestness.
Sylvie’s Love first begins in 1962, when tv producer Sylvie (Tessa Thompson) spots a well-recognized face whereas ready for her cousin Mona (Aja Naomi King) outdoors a live performance corridor: Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha), a jazz musician. That introduction solely lasts so long as the opening credit earlier than issues roll again to the summer season of 1957, when Sylvie is merely an aspiring producer working in her father’s (Lance Riddick) report retailer, and Robert’s the brand new rent who could be very clearly smitten with her. despite her engagement to a different man, Sylvie and Robert are drawn collectively for a whirlwind romance that solely ends when life pulls them aside. However, because the film has made fairly clear, the 2 will reunite years later and see if their love has survived the five-year hole.
Proper from the get-go, it is evident that Ashe and his group have gone to nice lengths to copy the different time intervals Sylvie’s Love is ready in. From the costuming to the set design to the music taking part in in every scene, it feels like Ashe has rigorously chosen every particular person piece with care. Even the best way Sylvie’s Love appears to be like feels like a traditional Hollywood movie, a testomony to cinematographer Declan Quinn. That attention to element provides a pleasant layer to the film; watching it, one feels transported to a distinct time. Music, specifically, plays a vital half in Sylvie’s Love, and composer Fabrice Lecomte excels at bringing that side to life, particularly with regards to the swinging jazz numbers.
Finest often called Valkyrie within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thompson brings a decided air to Sylvie that is additionally appropriately tempered by vulnerability. Sylvie has massive goals and a rigorously deliberate out life, but her reference to Robert runs the chance of ruining all that. Even when Sylvie makes tough selections (equivalent to saying goodbye to Robert after that first summer season), Thompson’s efficiency makes it easy to stay with her. Sylvie’s journey is probably the most compelling a part of the movie, as she chases her goals despite all odds. After all, that’s not to say Sylvie and Robert’s relationship is not stirring. Although it hits quite a lot of Familiar beats, their bond is born out of a shared ambition, and Thompson and Asomugha have a candy, quiet chemistry. Former NFL participant Asomugha is usually a little stiff at times, however his scenes reverse Thompson give him the perfect alternatives to blossom. When Robert suffers sure setbacks, Asomugha plays his frustration and disappointment simply in addition to he conveys his rising emotions for Sylvie, even when he is aware of he should not give into them.
As heartwarming as its story is, Ashe’s script suffers from a slight pacing situation. To completely clarify the place the pacing turns into jarring could be to present away spoilers, however it’s in Sylvie’s Love’s closing stretch. Compared to what got here earlier than, which takes its time with sure issues just like the early days of Sylvie and Robert’s courtship, the final a number of plot beats come rapidly sufficient that there is little time to correctly course of all of it. However, audiences won’t be bothered by this too much, as Sylvie’s Love all the time retains its coronary heart on its sleeve. Ashe got down to craft a real love story, and he actually succeeded.
Sylvie’s Love debuting on Amazon Prime means these spending the vacations at dwelling may have a brand new heartwarming story to occupy their time, even when it is not festive in any main means. With the old fashioned touches and delicate romance at its heart, Sylvie’s Love may very well be simply what individuals are on the lookout for proper now. After a yr like this one, typically all one needs is to take pleasure in an uncomplicated and mawkish film. Sylvie’s Love suits that invoice in a significant means, and that is removed from a nasty factor.
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