April I

Poignant, visceral, tender. Really Love's tone was set perfectly: warm colours, rich sense of light, painterly composition in some of the film direction, too. Isaiah and Stevie's story was relatable in so many ways and the moments of pause and silence felt so tangible. This was such an accurate depiction of modern relationships: quickly falling and then losing the ability to communicate from the fear of losing someone altogether, which inevitably causes more harm than good. The sense of peace they find when they're together compared to their opposing ambitions was their ultimate struggle. It's a quiet film; intimate and personal all throughout, which speaks on the acting and original score. Jazz was definitely the right choice because it married together the painting and the highs and lows of Stevie and Isaiah's relationship. I really felt Stevie and loved her characterisation... the little eyebrow raises and mannerisms suited her. I could feel her frustrations and her difficulty to speak up, sort of like she was always holding her breath a little. Kofi played the part of an upcoming artist so well, too. That all-consuming drive and ambition, which completely takes you out of everything else because you want to focus on your passion and making it happen for yourself. I'd easily watch this film again and again. Great length, too. It was just enough time to get into the characters and it was an ideal pocket of time captured for that relationship's story.