The Photograph

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1:57

The Photograph

PG-13

2020

1h 46m

Romance

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

74%

Tomatometer

115 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Verified Ratings

The discovery of a hidden family photograph sends Mae Morton (Issa Rae) on a quest for answers. The journey into her estranged mother's past exposes many secrets and ignites a powerful, unexpected romance with rising-star journalist Michael Block (Lakeith Stanfield). Award-winning writer-director Stella Meghie (The Weekend, Jean of the Joneses) tells a sweeping love story about forgiveness and finding the courage to seek the truth, no matter where it leads you.

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Critics Consensus

Gorgeous visuals, an affecting love story, and simmering chemistry between Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield keep The Photograph solidly in focus.

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

It's a beguiling combination at first, but the surrounding story is too clunky, the revelations too telegraphed.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 10, 2020

Full Review

Charlotte O'Sullivan

London Evening Standard

Simply put, Michael and Mae don't get enough time to just be, though a sequel could fix that.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 9, 2020

Full Review

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Luxuriantly sensual and unashamedly romantic, The Photograph is a cat's cradle of connecting love stories, spun across states, decades and continents.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 9, 2020

Full Review

Marya E. Gates

Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack)

Rae is a bit stiff in the role, unable to really imbue Mae with the kind of interiority this sort of role calls for (and can’t seem to craft much chemistry with Stanfield), but Adams and Noel in the past sequences light the screen on fire

Feb 14, 2025

Full Review

Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

This was a nice film but the stakes were very low, which makes it a challenge to get through.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 5, 2025

Full Review

Brandon Collins

Medium Popcorn

It's a sweet, yet forgetful film that never reaches the potential of its incredibly talented cast.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 5, 2025

Full Review

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Kimberly J

I Love Black Stories on screen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/25/21

Full Review

Jeanette D

Started a little slow but it was a good movie

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/06/20

Full Review

Mark

I liked that a woman went after what/who she wanted ....

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/22/20

Full Review

Elodie

Best movie ever!! Must watch !

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/21/20

Full Review

Ericka M J

The movie had potential but it just didnt ...

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/20/20

Full Review

davie huddleston

Female movie. Did have some romance lines.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/20/20

Full Review

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Stella Meghie

Director

Issa Rae

Mae

LaKeith Stanfield

Michael Block

Chanté Adams

Christina

Y'lan Noel

Young Isaac

Lil Rel Howery

Kyle

The Photograph: Official Clip - Double Flirting

2:10

The Photograph: Official Clip - Love, Together

1:50

The Photograph: Official Clip - Too Early to Kiss You?

2:22

The Photograph: Official Clip - Have You Ever Cheated?

2:47

The Photograph: Official Clip - Other Demands

2:12

The Photograph: Official Clip - The Art Exhibit

1:15

The Photograph: Official Clip - Echoes of Love

1:38

The Photograph: Official Clip - Long Distance Never Works

2:23

The Photograph: Official Clip - I Wanna Be with You

2:26

The Photograph: Official Clip - Why Should I Hire You?

1:02

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The Photograph: Trailer 2

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The Photograph: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The discovery of a hidden family photograph sends Mae Morton (Issa Rae) on a quest for answers. The journey into her estranged mother's past exposes many secrets and ignites a powerful, unexpected romance with rising-star journalist Michael Block (Lakeith Stanfield). Award-winning writer-director Stella Meghie (The Weekend, Jean of the Joneses) tells a sweeping love story about forgiveness and finding the courage to seek the truth, no matter where it leads you.

Director: Stella Meghie
Producer: Will Packer, James Lopez
Screenwriter: Stella Meghie
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Will Packer Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Sexuality|Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 14, 2020, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 28, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $20.6M
Runtime: 1h 46m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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