Directed by Rachael Abigail Holder in her feature debut, Love, Brooklyn is a modern romance that had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025. The film was later released in the U.S. on August 29, 2025.
André Holland leads the cast as Roger, a writer struggling with his career and complicated relationships. Nicole Beharie plays Casey, his ex-girlfriend and an art gallery owner, while DeWanda Wise portrays Nicole, his current lover and a newly single mother.
The story follows Roger as he navigates a complex romantic triangle against the backdrop of Brooklyn's rapidly changing landscape. The city itself becomes a character, with the filmmakers capturing its distinct energy and changing personality through real-life, on-location filming in Brooklyn.
Love, Brooklyn filming location and production details explored

Shot in Brooklyn, the film's most significant production choice was its commitment to authentic, on-location filming. Producer André Holland, now a resident of the borough, and director Rachael Abigail Holder, who grew up in New York, intentionally decided not to use soundstages to capture the city's authentic fabric.
In an interview with People on August 29, 2025, Holland stated that several homes, restaurants, and cafés used as filming locations were owned by friends and acquaintances who were well-suited to their use. This strategy was a result of the film's extremely tight budget and difficulties obtaining traditional funding.
Cinematographer Martim Vian recalled that just a week into the four-week shooting schedule, many of the planned locations fell through due to various issues, forcing the crew to find new places on the spot. This ultimately contributed to the film's raw, naturalistic feel.
The film's nostalgic and grounded tone was further enhanced by using Arri Alexa Mini and Amira cameras with Zeiss Master Primes lenses, which produced a visual aesthetic influenced by street photography from the 1970s and 1980s. The production of Love, Brooklyn was a challenging journey that ultimately highlights the perseverance of independent filmmaking.
Holland's production company, Harper Road, produced the film alongside Daughter Films, Fireheart Entertainment, and Umbrelic Entertainment. The project was nearly abandoned until acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh stepped in as an executive producer and provided the financial backing that made the film possible.
What is Love, Brooklyn about?
Love, Brooklyn follows Roger, a writer stalled by an overdue essay about the changing transformation of his beloved borough. His professional stalemate mirrors his complicated personal life, as he is caught in a love triangle with two women.
On one side is Casey, his funny and popular ex-girlfriend, who owns an art gallery and is struggling with the gentrification that is endangering her business. Their relationship is a comfortable yet unchanged echo of the past. On the other side is Nicole, a widowed massage therapist and single mother. Her relationship with Roger is newer and more casual, yet complicated by her young daughter's growing attachment to him.
Love, Brooklyn explores love, loss, and the challenge of letting go of people and places. It's a love letter to a city that is changing and a reflection on the decisions people take to move forward in their lives and in their romantic relationships.
Love, Brooklyn premiered in theaters on August 29, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.