It follows the estranged daughter (Issa Rae) of a famous photographer who falls in love with the journalist (LaKeith Stanfield) who is investigating her late mother's life.

Reporter Michael Block meets a man in Louisiana named Isaac to interview him about his life post-Hurricane Katrina.

In the present day, Christina's daughter Mae inherits a safety deposit box upon her death which includes the same picture of herself and two letters.

Attracted to Mae, Michael intentionally sets up a "chance meeting" with her at the French movie screening her gallery is showing.

It was announced in March 2019 that Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield would star in the film, with Stella Meghie writing and directing.

[4] Chelsea Peretti, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Chanté Adams, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Y'lan Noel, Lil Rel Howery, Teyonah Parris, Rob Morgan, and Courtney B. Vance were added to the cast shortly after.

[11] In the United States and Canada, the film was released alongside Fantasy Island, Sonic the Hedgehog and Downhill, and was projected to gross $12–15 million from 2,516 theaters in its opening weekend.

The website's critics consensus reads: "Gorgeous visuals, an affecting love story, and simmering chemistry between Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield keep The Photograph solidly in focus.

"[14] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 62 out of 100, based on 27 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".