Michael is a reporter and he is interviewing a man named Issac about his experiences after Hurricane Katrina. Issac has photos from his life but Michael is curious about one, in particular, a woman named Christina. Michael gets into touch with his intern to set up a meeting with Christina’s daughter Mae to learn more about the photograph.
THE PHOTOGRAPH is written and directed by Stella Meghie. She has done a few other films and TV including INSECURE. In this, the interactions and chemistry between characters are what carries the film. Without that, the film would unravel quickly.
Cast
Issa Rae as Mae Morton
Dakota Paradise as Young Mae Morton
Lakeith Stanfield as Michael Block
Chelsea Peretti as Sara Rodgers
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Andy Morrison
Chanté Adams as Christina Eames
Jasmine Cephas Jones as Rachel Miller
Lil Rel Howery as Kyle
Teyonah Parris as Asia
Rob Morgan as Isaac Jefferson
Y’lan Noel as Young Issac Jefferson
VIDEO QUALITY
The video is a 1080p AVC presentation that has a near-flawless transfer. Details in closeups are crisp and clear. Skin, fabrics, and facial lines all have textures that have a realistic look. Many of the shots are busy with items in the background and nothing gets lost in the scenes. Colors are natural with nothing exaggerated at all. When looking at that actual photographs, they are highly detailed as if they are being looked over in person. Skin tones are natural. The cinematography is beautiful and makes for a rewarding viewing experience.
AUDIO QUALITY
The audio is a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix that really brings this film to life. The music is incredible in the score and before the visit to New Orleans. The solid jazz that plays to the location. Like the scenery, the music adds to the spirit of the film and gives you the feels. Sound is always important and strong music in a film can mean the difference between good to exceptional. Scenes with crowded city environments fill the channels and sound excellent. The effects are subtle and properly used in each scene. Dialogue is centered and prioritized well.
SUPPLEMENTS & PACKAGING
-Shooting The Photograph: This featurette goes over the inception of the story and various elements of bringing the film to the screen.
-Culture in Film: This featurette discusses the film to give it perspective.
-The Film Through Photographs: This featurette discusses the photography in the film and how it is used.
Disc Details
2-Disc Set w/ 1 Blu-ray and 1 DVD
Digital Copy
Running Time
106 mins
Edition Ratings
Rated PG-13
Region Coding
Region Free
Video Resolution
1080p AVC MPEG-4
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Audio Mixes
English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
French DTS 5.1
Spanish DTS 5.1
Subtitles
English SDH
French
Spanish
THE BOTTOM LINE
THE PHOTOGRAPH is an alluring film that tells a story in an enticing way. I love the casting choices and the way that they move the story. The Blu-ray is superb in both the audio and video. The extras are good and well worth your time. I feel like this movie hasn’t gotten the love it deserves so I say give it a chance, I highly recommend it.
