Staycation is a romantic comedy directed by Lydelle Jackson and penned by Jeff Carroll. It follows the story of Brooke and Roger, an African American couple struggling to balance their careers and their relationship. The couple decides to take a week off work and stay at home (as opposed to going on a vacation or a 'staycation') to work on their relationship and spend quality time together.
Brooke (Jennifer Freeman) is an ambitious lawyer trying to make partner at her firm, and Roger (Shelton Jolivette) is a successful musician who has just had a big break. They both have demanding careers that require them to work long hours, and this has put a strain on their relationship. To make matters worse, they are also dealing with the added pressure of trying to buy a house in a competitive real estate market.
The couple decides to have a staycation to work on their relationship and rekindle their romance. They plan to spend the week doing fun activities together that they don't normally have time for - such as cooking, watching movies, and playing board games. Along the way, they run into a few surprises and have some unexpected guests show up, including Brooke's best friend (Amelia Jeffries) and Roger's eccentric uncle (Kendrick Brown).
As the week progresses, Brooke and Roger have to confront some of the issues that have been plaguing their relationship. They struggle with communication and trust, and it seems like their staycation might not be enough to solve everything. However, they soon realize that they are stronger together than they are apart and that they can overcome any obstacle with love and dedication.
The film also explores the challenges faced by African American couples in the modern world, including racism, microaggressions, and implicit biases. It provides a nuanced look at the African American experience and the unique challenges faced by African American couples.
The performances in the film are strong, with Jennifer Freeman and Shelton Jolivette delivering heartfelt performances as Brooke and Roger. Amelia Jeffries is also excellent as Brooke's best friend, providing some much-needed comic relief. Kendrick Brown is hilarious as Roger's uncle, and Don Jeanes delivers a solid performance as Brooke's colleague.
Overall, Staycation is a charming and relatable film that provides a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre. It explores the challenges faced by modern couples in a thoughtful and nuanced way, and it provides a window into the lives of African American couples in particular. With strong performances and a sharp script, Staycation is a film that is sure to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Staycation is a 2023 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.
