Sylvie’s Love – A Compelling Period Romance (Early Review)

Why not spend one’s holiday season by taking a trip to the late 1950s/early 1960s? The best films are pure escapism, something we all need in troubled times such as these. If anything, Sylvie’s Love, the latest period musical romance succeeds at that. Though the film may not bring anything new to the table, that escapism fueled by an impeccable sense of authenticity certainly goes a long way. However, the biggest takeaway of the film was undoubtedly the dynamite chemistry of its two leads, Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha, who are just so fun to watch together here. That being said, the film and genre will surely not be for everyone while the film will definitely not be changing any minds which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In the end, the film should not find much trouble finding an audience as fans of both leads will inevitably flock to the film. Meanwhile, fans of jazz may find enough to enjoy here as well.

Sylvie’s Love takes place in late 1950s/early 1960s New York City and of course tells the story of a young woman named Sylvie (Thompson) who was working in her father Herbert’s (Lance Reddick) record store, waiting for her fiance Lacy (Alano Miller) to return home from the war. The tides would change once an up and coming saxophonist named Robert (Asomugha) happened to show up looking for a job while being part of a quartet. Though each may not have been willing to acknowledge it, as far as they were concerned, the rest was history. Through the years which saw each spend time apart while carving their own paths professionally, their destiny was never in question as it was only a matter of time they would end up together. Despite their time apart, their strong feelings for one another never waivered.

Over that same time, seeing the confident Sylvie and the ambitious Robert evolve as characters was compelling to watch as each navigated the ever-changing landscape in the music scene with the rise of Motown and the professional scene with the increased presence of women within prominent positions in the workplace. Suffice it to say that the feelings between Sylvie and Robert became increasingly difficult to ignore but their issues did not end there. Their relationship was always a supportive one where all Robert wanted was for Sylvie to be happy while Sylvie wanted to support Robert as he tried to get his career as a saxophonist off the ground and she pursued her passion as a TV producer. In spite of their circumstances and the gender norms of the time that may make each of these goals seem counter to one another, their love could not be understated and the ending was arguably the personification of this.

As mentioned, the impeccable sense of authenticity found throughout Sylvie’s Love pulls the audience in. Its beautiful cinematography makes it feel like a retro film while the production design, costumes, and soundtrack add to that authenticity. Ultimately, the best part of the film was Thompson and Asomugha and their dynamite chemistry as Sylvie and Robert though the film was essentially just them. Thompson coming to her own as Sylvie worked well thanks to her likability and relatability alone. Asomugha delivered an understated gem in his own right as a man moving on from the comfort of his quartet. Their chemistry sold that relationship and were compelling to watch together despite the predictable story.

At the end of the day, Sylvie’s Love doesn’t reinvent the wheel but for what it is, it’s a fun escape and that’s sometimes enough.

still courtesy of Amazon Studios

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.