Really Love

Really Love is a subtle, moving film that was released in 2020. It is written by Felicia Pride and Angel Kristi Williams, directed by Angel Kristi Williams, and produced by MACRO, AFI Conservatory, and Get Lifted Film Company. Boasting a cast featuring notable stars like Kofi Siriboe, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing, and Uzo Aduba, and the talents of Mack Wilds, Naturi Naughton, Suzzanne Douglas, and Michael Ealy, the film is steeped in emotional drama and lingering moments that deeply resonate with the audience.

“Really Love” sets its roots in the beautifully chaotic world of Bohemian Washington D.C. With shots of the city's vibrant landscapes, from local art galleries to hip cafes, the movie paints an authentic representation of DC that goes beyond the glossy coat of politics and tourist destinations.

The central figures in this tale of modern love are Isaiah, portrayed by Kofi Siriboe, and Stevie, played by Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing. Isaiah is an artist, passionate and dedicated but yet, struggling to break through and make a name for himself in the cutthroat world of art. He is a man of few words, preferring to channel his feelings and thoughts through his art. Perseverance and strife are the other strings that hold his life together as he battles to balance his creative aspirations with his need for financial stability.

On the other hand, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing plays Stevie, a determined law student who aspires to fight for affordable housing and equal justice for marginalized communities. Her character is imbued with relentless ambition and an all-consuming drive that sometimes overshadows the personal aspects of her life.

Their worlds collide and the two fall in love, leading audiences through a beautifully crafted tale of love, ambition, and life in the contemporary world. It explores what happens when two ambitious people in love are simultaneously pulled by their individual aspirations. It raises questions about sacrifice, compromise, the complexities of young love, and the crossroads many face between passion and stability.

A significant part of what makes “Really Love” a compelling watch is the well-rounded and complex characters. Their thoughts, aspirations, and struggles are consistently and excellently brought to life with an engaging performance by Siriboe and Wong-Loi-Sing. It outlines the highs and lows of their relationship with such depth that it leaves audiences feeling the full scope of what the characters are feeling.

Balancing the quiet resilience of Isaiah's character, Uzo Aduba provides dynamic support as an outspoken, established, and spirited courtroom lawyer named Mandy. Her brilliant performance adds another layer of depth to the film, showing a stark contrast between the life that Stevie envisions for herself and the reality of these dreams.

The movie has a certain quiet poignancy, and this is potently expressed through the more silent, contemplative moments. The power of silence in combination with the laden looks, the unspoken words, and the palpable tension builds a depth to the narrative, subtly exploring the microcosms of love and connection.

Cinematically, Really Love is an artistic masterpiece with its intricate focus on colors and aesthetics. The richness and vibrancy of the movie are a visual treat. Be it the captivating shots of Isaiah's paintings, the carefully curated urban landscapes, or the haptic textures of everyday life, every scene is shot with a deliberate artistry that mirrors the protagonist's neutral yet rich paintings. It creates a unique blend of a romance film and an art film, with every frame beautifully constructed like a painting in itself.

The movie also makes commendable strides in representing and focusing on the Black love story. It refrains from casting the characters' lives in the often seen tragic or struggling narrative and rather articulates love and art in the Black community with a refreshing sense of normality and familiarity. It is a real depiction of two Black professionals trying to make it in a competitive world while navigating the ups and downs of their relationship.

Overall, Really Love is a masterful concoction of sensitive storytelling, compelling performances, and exceptional cinematography that elicits a mix of emotions from its audience and leaves them reflecting on the themes explored long after the closing credits have rolled.