Romantic 1950’s Drama, ‘Sylvie’s Love’ Premiers on Amazon Prime.
Sylvie’s Love, stars two slight lovers, Sylvie and Robert- played by Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha, and follows them as their romance transcends into a battle between time, societal expectations and professional success. Eugene Ashe travels to the past to capture this forbidden love tale, and develop an imaginative romantic period piece. This Film also includes the many talents of; Aja Naomi King, Regé- Jean Page, MC Lyte, Eva Longoria, Lance Reddick and many, many more.
In 1950s Black Harlem, Sylvie ( Thompson) is working at her father’s record shop when an enthralled Robert ( Asomugha), is mystified by her person through the glass window. It was love at first glance for Robert, the man could do nothing to stop himself from entering the record store at an opportunity to get closer to Sylvie (Thompson).
Sylvie is not a mysterious woman. She is actually rather socially awkward, in an out of the ordinary, gravitating sense. But when she talked of music and television, her passion flourished. It is of no wonder why Robert immediately fell for, as he is a Saxophonist with the prospects of making it big one day.
One night, Sylvie’s accompanies her cousin to a Jazz show, where ironically Robert and his band are playing. Just as Robert was able to indulge in her life, Sylvie was able to get a glimmer of Robert’s, and from then on, the two were inseparable.
Their love was never easy from the beginning. Sylvie’s parents, and in particular, her mother- set wild expectations for their daughter. Expectations that were obviously burdensome to her personality. In the 1950’s, these societal norms were how women survived; by practicing proper etiquette ,manners, postures ; and marrying a well off man- everything short of independence and life fulfillment. Robert was an inconvenience, to Sylvie’s livelihood.
To the best of their ability, they continued to indulge on their love, and when an opportunity for Robert arose, he didn't want anyone beside him but Sylvie. There was never the right time for their romance to flourish. Situations and obstacles continued to be a burden on them moving forward in life - together.
Life and living continued on for both, at times together, and sometimes apart. The most beautiful part was that they always found their way back to one another. It's a forbidden love tale, but not in the sense of feud or rivalry. It's an affectionate romance, of two lovers who were meant for one another, trying to find the right time to be together. Timing in fact was their biggest evil, and it was winning, for the most part.
Tessa Thompson was a beautiful Sylvie, from younger to older. We witness the character develop into a new persona from the beginning of the movie, all the way unto the end. Sylvie sacrificed so much of her person, who lived to appease those around her and to be everything everyone else wanted her to be. It is moving to watch her grow into a masterful young woman.
Nnamdi Asomugha delves right into the role of Robert, and we witness his character reaching the highest of mountains, and scraping the lowest of valleys. Robert's love for Sylvie remains unchanging and condition-less, and this is one of the main reasons why they always return to each other.
Sylvie’s Love is truly an beautiful romantic tale, that encapsulates love and desire, in a time when possessing both was costly. Having been set in 1950s Harlem, was beautiful historic detail that made the storyline even grittier and more bravado. It is also important to depict the many forms of Black Love in the media. This film is one of many, and it does an amazing job telling the story of Sylvie and Robert.
