*Warning: Minor spoilers ahead*
I've developed this habit of bracing myself before watching a romance film that centers on a Black couple. Why, you ask? Well, for one, I've noticed a disturbing trend when it comes to Black love stories, specifically. Nine times out of ten, I find that the couple's relationship is rooted in some kind of trauma, whether it be a racist incident, a painful childhood experience or a history of domestic abuse (yes, I'm looking at you, Tyler Perry). Even in cases where these couples eventually live "happily ever after," I'm often left feeling more disappointed and conflicted than hopeful.
That's why I went into Sylvie's Love expecting to see a love story that was filled with pain, heartache and deeply toxic behavior. It didn't help when I learned that the film is set in 1950s Harlem—a challenging time for the Black community due to racial segregation. But when I actually watched the movie, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the main love story was... well, simple.
It gave me all the feels, minus the usual tinge of discomfort. Even better, I finished this film with the biggest grin on my face and I actually felt relaxed—something that almost never happens after I watch Black romance dramas. It's no wonder the movie now has a nearly perfect 5-star rating on Amazon Prime.
