“Sylvie’s Love” (2020) is a whimsical yet passionate romantic film, starring Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha. Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a woman, Sylvie, quickly falls in love with talented saxophonist Robert after meeting him at her father’s record shop, all while she is engaged to her fiancé, Lacy, who lives in Korea. Sylvie is caught between the societal expectation of being a housewife and chasing her dream of a professional life in the television industry. Despite the expectations society places on women, she does not cease to ponder the possibilities of pursuing what ignites her soul. She becomes driven by a piece of advice that Robert tells her: “Life is too short to waste time doing things you don’t love.” Because of this, despite their ever-changing lives and careers, Sylvia and Robert come back to each other in the name of love.

Sylvie’s romantic and personal journey is well-highlighted by the smooth jazzy mood of the film, with the soundtrack consisting of many jazz songs from the 1960s era. The swung and bluesy notes of the jazz also serve as an ode to Robert, a saxophonist rising to fame, and there are many other jazz songs that are featured in the film to orchestrate much of the gatherings in the scenes. The culture in the time period of the late 1950s and early 1960s is also displayed in the fashion, speech, architecture, and soundtrack of the film.

“Sylvie’s Love” provides a meaningful, real, and beautiful story of a romance featuring a primarily Black cast, bringing more diversity into a genre traditionally lacking in representation. More specifically, Black women are included as higher rank figures in the workforce, having impactful influences on their job and creating a powerful voice in their industry. The prominence of Black jazz musicians in the film further contributes to the diversity of the movie.

“Sylvie’s Love” conveys real-life experiences, desires, issues, and successes that may resonate deeply with its audience. The film addresses how one’s dreams, loves, and roles amongst others can impact one’s direction in life. It encourages people to fully value and make time for what makes them truly happy. Overall, “Sylvie’s Love” inspires its audience to disregard what outside forces tell them to do and follow their passions instead.