Sheldon Candis’s LUV presents a unique take on the coming-of-age narrative, primarily driven by its compelling character development, which likely attracted its notable cast. Set against the backdrop of Baltimore, the film inevitably draws parallels to The Wire, HBO’s acclaimed series, due to shared thematic and character elements. However, LUV distinguishes itself by prioritizing character depth over a strictly linear plot progression.
We are introduced to Woody (Michael Rainey Jr.), a perceptive young boy residing with his grandmother in Baltimore. His mother is undergoing rehabilitation at an out-of-state facility for drug addiction. The void of a paternal figure in Woody’s life begins to fill with the arrival of his Uncle Vincent (Common), who moves in after serving eight years of a twenty-year prison sentence. Vincent, with his Mercedes and sharp suits, immediately captures Woody’s attention as a potential role model. Woody, eager to gain his uncle’s approval and affection, exaggerates his popularity and coolness at school. However, Vincent quickly discerns Woody’s lack of confidence, especially when it comes to interacting with girls. This realization shifts Vincent’s focus from traditional education to imparting what he believes are essential “luv learning” experiences for navigating the real world. He decides to take Woody under his wing for a day, initiating him into his version of manhood.
The day begins innocently enough, with Vincent coaching Woody on how to approach women, dress to impress, command respect, and project confidence, even when feeling insecure. Vincent’s lessons include firm handshakes, direct eye contact, clear and assertive speech, and unwavering persistence. Common delivers these scenes with considerable charm and charisma, making Vincent instantly likeable. Woody accompanies his uncle on various errands, including a meeting with a friend from Vincent’s criminal past. They also visit a bank where Vincent’s aspirations to transform a waterfront warehouse into a crab restaurant are hampered by an outstanding $22,000 loan. These interactions subtly reveal Vincent’s struggle to stay on the straight path and resist the pull of his former life. Faced with limited options, Vincent’s decision to revert to his criminal past becomes increasingly apparent.
The narrative takes a turn towards implausibility when Vincent seeks help from his former crime boss, Mr. Fish (Dennis Haysbert), and his associate Arthur (Danny Glover), hoping to earn the needed $22,000. Mr. Fish proposes a drug run as the solution, which Vincent undertakes with Woody. This marks a significant shift in Woody’s “luv learning” curriculum, rapidly escalating from social etiquette to the harsh realities of criminal activity. The drug run turns out to be a setup orchestrated by Mr. Fish, who, suspecting Vincent of being an informant, orders his assassination. In a dramatic turn of events, Vincent and Woody manage to escape, resorting to lethal force to survive.
Woody’s education in manhood now includes driving lessons, firearms handling, and participation in drug deals. This trajectory culminates in a chaotic showdown at Mr. Fish’s residence. The film’s final act descends further into absurdity, particularly when Woody, barely able to see over the steering wheel, becomes the getaway driver and engages in gunfights. At this point, the film strains credibility to a breaking point.
However, despite the increasingly far-fetched plot developments, the strength of the character portrayals remains the film’s anchor. Even as the storyline veers into the unbelievable, the performances, especially by Common and Rainey, keep the audience engaged. Their ability to portray the evolution of their characters from likeable individuals to hardened figures is compelling. The supporting cast, including Dutton, Glover, and Haysbert, deliver reliably strong performances, with Glover and Haysbert particularly noteworthy in their roles as antagonists. Candis’s direction is visually adept, offering a polished and contemporary perspective on the familiar genre of gang-related films.
In conclusion, while LUV’s narrative falters in its latter half due to escalating absurdity, the film is ultimately worth watching for its compelling character studies and the performances of Common and Michael Rainey Jr. Their portrayal of the complex relationship and the harsh “luv learning” experiences within the Baltimore setting provide a worthwhile cinematic exploration, even as the plot loses its way.
Bryan Kluger, Film Critic
