Performance Review: ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It?’
What’s Love Got to Do with It? may be labeled a romantic comedy, but it’s also a family drama, according to director Shekhar Kapur. And before we get any further, now is a good time to clear up any title confusion — the film is in no way related to the 1993 Tina Turner biopic of the same name. Rather, the cross-cultural feature from writer/producer Jemima Khan centers on a fictional London-based documentary filmmaker named Zoe (Lily James) and her childhood friend — that she grew up living next to — Kaz (Shazad Latif). Both are single at the top of the film when Kaz, who is Muslim, makes the decision to commit to an arranged (or “assisted”) marriage. He reluctantly agrees to let Zoe film the process for her next documentary, which leads to an exploration of her own feelings about love. There’s some will-they-won’t-they tension between the lead characters along the way and a beautiful ending that wraps the film on what the Los Angeles Times calls “a touching and tender note.” In order to prepare you for its upcoming release in the U.S., we’re sharing our take on the performances from the two leads of What’s Love Got to Do with It?.
Lily James
With Zoe, James delivers a woman who fluctuates from a tendency towards nervous energy to clear-eyed confidence, all without breaking character. Whether developing a believable mother-daughter relationship with Emma Thompson’s Cath — in which familial love blends with exasperation at the latter’s lack of societal awareness — or an effortless connection with Latif’s Kaz, the actor’s performance is nothing short of grounded and relatable. But then there’s also the artistry of James’ voiceover narration for the amended fairy tales of her character’s making. It adds a magical touch to the realistic portrayal of a woman who’s questioning her approach to love and happiness, thanks to both her mother and her best friend. There’s a particularly poignant scene she shares with Thompson, in which Zoe asks Cath, “Am I just not enough for you as I am?” It’s a beautiful moment driven by James’ powerful execution of such a heart-wrenching query. A lesser actor would’ve dipped into melodrama, but the scene steers clear of the pitfall thanks to James’ deft navigation. She seamlessly carries the female lead role with strength and a whole lot of heart.
Shazad Latif
Latif’s contribution to the easy rapport between Kaz and Zoe should not be overlooked. The two have a longtime friendship in real life, as well, according to one What’s Love Got to Do with It? featurette. Latif helps add a romantic question mark to their onscreen friendship, whether Kaz is helping clasp a necklace around Zoe’s neck in a classic rom com move or just listening — really listening — to her. Many say that the ability to listen plays a major role in the craft of acting, and Latif’s performance in the film is defined by his prowess in that area, reflected by a steady gaze that seems to truly absorb what others are telling Kaz. Latif plays the medical doctor character in a manner that layers a generally unflappable exterior with subtle depths of feeling, and he expertly delivers a performance that keeps the audience guessing for most of the film as to where his heart truly lies.
Surrounding James and Latif is a powerhouse supporting cast that includes Thompson as Cath, Shabana Azmi as Kaz’s mother Aisha, and Jeff Mirza as his father Zahid. Then there is Sajal Ali’s portrayal of Kaz’s assisted marriage match Maymouna and Oliver Chris’ performance as a suitor for Zoe who is arranged by Cath. You can see all these performances and more when What’s Love Got to Do with It? releases in U.S. theaters this Friday.
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