In 2020, Issa Rae showcased her acting talents in two notable films. One of these films was The Photograph, where she took on the role of Mae Morton while Lakeith Stanfield portrayed Michael Block. Together, they embarked on a captivating journey to unravel the mysterious backstory of Mae's mother. The film garnered praise from The New York Times, which lauded it as "an unabashedly old-school love story." Additionally, The Empire hailed it as an African-American romance that resonated with authenticity and relatability.