When Faye, a twenty-five-year-old Black woman, mistakes a nameless Young Man of the same age for a complicated figure from her childhood, the pair finds themselves catapulted into what at first seems like a run-of-the-mill romantic affair, but which soon morphs into something far beyond their comprehension.
Following this seemingly chance encounter, writer-director Chad Murdock employs the Before Sunrise/Sunset tactic. Their burgeoning relationship blossoms while they walk and talk their way around New York City.
The screenplay employs language that is intense and romantic. There is an instant connection.
They talk about life and love yet there are moments where one questions whether this is the first time they have had these conversations. Someone calls the other by the wrong name. Details shared that the other had not told them. Is it a case of mistaken identity or is there something else going on?
Initially, it is quite a difficult film to get into. The languid pacing of the opening act struggles to capture one’s attention. However once the two meet, the need to learn the true nature of the bond that links them grabs hold of you.
Taylor Brianna delivers a strong performance as a young woman whose head and heart are a whirlwind of emotions. Struggling to deal with a recent breakdown of a relationship whilst dealing with feelings that rise up from the past. Johnson’s performance is initially quite stilted and jarring. Yet as the mystery deepens, it starts to make a lot of sense in context and provides a useful counterpoint to Brianna’s.
A tighter edit and runtime could have improved the story’s flow. Yet in spite of the flaws, there is so much intrigue at the heart of Fingers In The Wind that one will find it floating round one’s mind long after the end credits roll.
Rating:
Director: Chad Murdock
Stars: Taylor Brianna, Azendé Kendale Johnson, Maya Holliday, Torri Grice
Runtime: 101 minutes
Country: USA