Whoever says love is easy must be from another planet where ‘perfect’ beings reside. Every relationship has a moment of introspection and this Netflix film explores the struggles of loving while being imperfect. For a duration of one hour and forty-five minutes, a troubled couple air their flaws, insecurities and pains in a captivating yet unsettling way.
Zendaya has become quite an interesting actress to me ever since her performance alongside Tom Holland in the Marvel Spider-Man series. Seeing her on this poster for Malcolm & Marie (2021) wrapped in John David Washington's arms, my attention was piqued.
This black-and-white Netflix romantic drama begins as Malcolm returns from his successful movie premiere with his girlfriend, Marie. He's excited, puts on some music, pours a drink, and dances. Marie goes into the kitchen, puts a pot on the stove and prepares mac and cheese.
Malcolm begins to rant angrily about critics who view art from a racial and political viewpoint. Marie listens and says a thing or two that challenges his perspective rather than support his rants. He gives her a second look and demands to know what the problem is. She reveals that he did not give her due credit for the movie since it's based on her life and struggles with drugs.
This couple begins a verbal and emotional battle that lasts through the night.
Review
Some people might say that this film has no plot but I strongly disagree. They just don't look close enough. Malcolm & Marie is slow paced and doesn't immediately reveal its narrative arc. For action/thriller fans, this may appear boring but you need a little patience at this point to understand and appreciate the effort of writer and director, Sam Levinson.
This film focuses on a man who loves his art and wants everyone around him, especially his girlfriend, to validate and support it as much. Shockingly, his girlfriend doesn't and dishes out her resentment of his success in good doses. They argue back and forth, verbally tearing into each other and it's clear they are struggling to make their relationship work.
They bring up past hurts, suicide attempts, their insecurities and then soften it with sessions of physical intimacy. These scenes are slightly awkward for me, probably because of the age gap between the actors and how realistic such a drama is.
Still, Zendaya and John David are impressive in their roles. They nailed down the passionate aspect; their chemistry is strong and believable. However, as the film progresses, the back and forth becomes repetitive and exhausting. I think this is where Sam Levinson may lose the audience.
Malcolm is self-centred and narcissistic; a man who doesn't mind the hurts he inflicts just to get some recognition in the film industry. It's about his art and he wants the world to see and acknowledge it. Marie on the other hand is the pitiful, emotionally fractured yet understanding girlfriend.
This film also takes a shot at film criticisms—those who dish them out and how often filmmakers react to them.
One outstanding aspect of this movie is the cinematography and storytelling style. The use of black and white is not an afterthought, but rather an intentional artistic decision and sort of metaphor to depict the couple's relationship and world. There's no in-between or shades of grey—it's just black and white. They either love each other or don't.
Though the entire film takes place in one location, the couple's home, their arguments which appear more like monologues are powerful and emotional. It's like I'm watching a play and think the movie might do better on a stage.
Do I like this movie? I have mixed feelings about it but I do applaud the artistic outlook. Will I recommend it though? Yes, only to those who won't mind a slow paced, romantic drama presented in monochrome. It may appear boring but the film invites the audience to look beyond the surface.
Overall, Malcolm & Marie is a thought-provoking film worth watching at least once. The acting is great and the visuals are excellent. I'd give it 2.8 stars out of 5.
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Poster Image, Fair Use
Other images are screenshots from the movie
Posted using CineTV