Director Nate Edwards transitions from short films to narrative features with the compelling black love story “She Taught Love,” available on Hulu. Darrell Britt-Gibson, who also occupies the leading role, authored the screenplay.
Central to this narrative are two well-defined characters: Frank Cooper, portrayed with raw vulnerability by Darrell Britt-Gibson, and Mali Waters, vividly brought to life by the captivating Arsema Thomas. Frank, an actor on the cusp of fame and personal upheaval, is beset by various distractions—namely, the allure of Hollywood, the unpredictability of fame, and the persistent void of unfulfilled aspirations. He navigates a world characterized by ceaseless noise obscuring his desires and aspirations. In contrast, Mali is a sports agent whose zest for life emanates with an urgent fervor, committing fully to the present as if time were a thief.
These two disparate individuals intersect at a particularly inopportune moment—just as Mali grapples with her mortality. This tragic development introduces an intriguing complexity to their relationship, imbuing their interactions with an electrifying urgency. The film demonstrates how love can be a significant catalyst for personal growth, compelling both characters to step beyond their comfort zones, confront their fears, and ultimately achieve an awakening they had not previously dared to imagine.
The chemistry between Gibson and Thomas is tangible, characterized by an authenticity often underrepresented in cinematic depictions of black love. Their journey unfolds through serendipitous moments—intimate dialogues in dimly lit bars, stolen glances across crowded rooms, and the shared silence of mutual understanding. Each scene facilitates the gradual dismantling of their defenses, unveiling a complex emotional tapestry woven from laughter, vulnerability, and the collective human experience of wrestling with impermanence.
What distinguishes “She Taught Love” are its themes of mindfulness and the importance of living fully in the moment. As Mali encourages Frank to embrace the present, viewers are reminded of their capacity for deep love, even in uncertainty. The film artfully juxtaposes their journeys with visually stunning imagery—each frame capturing the transient beauty of moments, including sunsets, laughter, and tears, mirroring the highs and lows of their explorative journey.
The remarkable cinematography by Justin Derry is complemented by a hauntingly beautiful score from Esin Aydingoz, which resonates throughout the film like a heartbeat, underscoring the fragility of love and the impermanence of life. Each scene immerses the audience more deeply into the world of Frank and Mali—where every heartbeat serves as a reminder of what is at stake, where love emerges in unexpected contexts, and where life lessons are gleaned through vulnerability and acceptance.
As the film concludes, audiences are left with a bittersweet sense of introspection. Through the couple’s intricate dance between despair and joy, Frank and Mali illuminate a fundamental truth: that love, in its purest form, teaches individuals not merely to exist but to live authentically.
“She Taught Love” transcends being a mere film; it represents an emotional journey that encourages viewers to confront life’s ephemeral nature and embrace the moments of tremendous significance.
Final Grade: B+
“She Taught Love” is available to stream on Hulu now
