Marriage Story directed by Noah Baumbach is a movie that should be watched by many and not ignored. This delicate story told of two lovers going through one of the hardest trials any couple could go through: a divorce. While being released and made by Netflix, this movie doesn’t hold back and shows not only the struggles but also the real intimate feelings that still reside beneath a lot of anger, sorrow, and pain
The film opens beautifully with Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansen) listing off reasons for their love for the other and you are instantly pulled into this story very quickly. You discover that despite all of these reasons, they are going through a split leading to an eventual divorce. Charlie is a director and Nicole an actress. They primarily do stage in New York because of Charlie’s passion for it while Nicole has yearned for Television in Los Angeles. This lays the ground for what will transpire through the ugly process of their divorce. This is a simple yet profound story as it is sadly very relatable for a lot of people.
Driver and Johansen nail their roles respectively. You really can tell these two characters love each other and truly want the best for the other. Even through the yelling, fighting, and crying they respect each other a lot. Laura Dern who plays Johansen’s Attorney stands out as one of the supporting roles along with good performances from Merritt Wever and Alan Alda. Dern pulls you in quickly literally making you want to grab a cup of tea with her yet at the same time despising her for what she does throughout the divorce trials. Henry (Azhy Robertson) is also a standout in his performance as the son of Charlie and Nicole. He really makes it relatable for young viewers and even though there is almost a twenty year age gap between me and him, I saw myself in him at so many points in the film.
Netflix show with Marriage Story, that an incredible intimate, emotional movie can be made on a streaming platform, with a-list celebrities and detailed technical work through cinematography, score, and directing. This movie will be a strong contender in award season deservingly. This is a huge standout for me this year and I cannot emphasize how much you should see this film. Grab a cup of tea, make a fire , and settle down with a loved one as you take in Marriage Story.
Score: 9/10
