Love Jones • The Next Reel

The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Romance is about the possibility of the thing.”
Love Jones hit theaters in 1997 as writer/director Theodore Witcher’s acclaimed debut. With an eclectic jazz soundtrack and romantic story filled with poetry slams, complex relationships, and career passions, the film earned praise and award nominations. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1998 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture Nominees series with a conversation about Witcher’s 1997 film Love Jones.

We Are at Odds With These Characters and Their Messy Relationships

In our lively chat, we dive into the characters and their relationships. We discuss how Andy connect’s with Nina and Darius’ messy, on-again-off-again romance and the realistic motivations behind their poor decisions – whereas Pete does not. Though we don’t always agree, we explore their complex connection and the miscommunications and betrayals that plague their path to love. Their story represents one filled with the universal relationship struggles we all face on the road to maturity. But does the script work?

A Few Additional Areas of Conversation Regarding Love Jones

• Passionate debate on the casting, particularly of lead actor Lorenz Tate – too young and naive or just right?
• Our differing views on the authenticity of the script and dialogue
• Examining the photography backdrop and Nina's career motivations
• The interesting social commentary within the group of friends

Other Notable Discussion Points

• Appreciation for the supporting cast like Isaiah Washington and Lisa Nicole Carson
• The effectiveness of the melancholy jazz score and hip soundtrack
• Our thoughts on the photography capturing life in 1990s Chicago
• The timeless nature of relationship struggles depicted

For a look at the origins of a modern black romance classic, tune in to hear our in-depth conversation on all aspects of Love Jones. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Check out our MERCH PAGE for TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more!

Visit our ORIGINALS PAGE to buy books, comics, plays, or other source material for the movies we've talked about on the show. By doing so, you get to find your next book to dig into and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!

Star your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try Transistor today!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete
• Andy

We spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?

Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.