Premature

Earthy romance that has a relaxed style and Hugh light the flaws of youth.

That is by far the best line of the movie and it really sums up the movie... they fell hard and fast for each other and it ended badly. The main actor and actress have very good believable chemistry and that really kept you in the story and helped propel it. The only con was her friends that were a bit much at times but you could tell she thought alot of them and even called them on their actions. It all felt so raw and real. I have read it compared to a house on beale street and i agree... both are powerful movies dealing with a couple in crisis. I hope to see more of both the main leads b/c they are that good!

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story! Green's directing is confident and nuanced. Zora Howard gives a great performance, and I very much related to the up's and down's of young love that Ayanna experiences. I felt that the characters were multifaceted and complex and enjoyed seeing Harlem and its richness depicted with such beauty on screen.

"Premature" is a film with a theme that has been brought to the screen many times. Nevertheless, the movie works because the story is timeless and the characters are as real as you and I. Zora Howard gives a standout performance as 17 year-old Ayanna. She is tough, yet vulnerable, a child and a woman, but most of all, a person whose growth is measured throughout the movie though her highs and lows of an unrequited love. Ernesto Green does a stellar job of directing as the rough and tumble, yet beautiful backdrop of New York City is intertwined with Ayanna"s friends, family and paramour.

It is always refreshing to watch a film where people of color can be who they are and there is no need to fall back on the mindless racial stereotypes too often presented in cinema. This is a nicely constructed act of storytelling and well worth one's time to sit back and watch the story unfold.

A widely acclaimed coming-of-age drama directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green and co-written by Zora Howard, who also stars in the film. Set in Harlem, the film follows the emotional journey of Ayanna, a 17-year-old poet played by Howard, who delivers a raw and compelling performance. Her chemistry with Joshua Boone, who portrays Isaiah, a music producer, is electrifying and deeply moving. The screenplay, rooted in the Harlem setting, is both lyrical and authentic, exploring themes of love, trust, and the pains of growing up with sharp, realistic dialogue. Cinematographer Laura Valladao enhances the film's emotional depth with stunning visuals, while Green's sensitive and assured direction draws powerful performances from the cast. Premature stands out for its exceptional performances, authentic storytelling, and visual beauty, making it a poignant and unforgettable cinematic experience.