This film has a good script with consistent argument-building. It's easy to follow and good enough to keep you interested throughout. For the rest, acting is ok and the youth, looks and fame of the protagonists helps the viewer get more invested in the film. Cinematography is looking alright and the black n white was a good choice; character blocking looks also vibrant and there's plenty of energy in many scenes. Indeed, some might find that small parts are pretentious or unnecessary and other parts rather hilarious such as the one JDW eating with his mouth open while shouting...but these do not spoil the entire film. Overall, the director/writer did a good job creating this piece, giving moments of debate about love, politics, existence and all delivered with a great pace. Maybe this is the new Valentines Day fav movie..? 8/10 strong effort by Levinson.
429 Reviews
Cinema is not just about superheroes and explosions....and I'm a huge comic nerd
tbunker-882945 February 2021
Let me just sate the obvious first
BRILLIANT ACTING
I love Zendaya she's absolutely outstanding in this film and in general, but if you watch this film for Zendaya only and literally nothing else, you have absolutely no substance and no appreciation for ones art and are clearly ignoring an equally brilliant performance by John David Washington.
Anyone who has a problem with seeing the story of another couple or human emotion either has an unusually stable relationship or has never been in a relationship at all.
I'm seeing so many mixed reviews and the more negative reviews tend to say the same thing with absolutely NO originality. "it's pretentious" "not engaging" "it's just about a couple fighting". You don't have to like the film but at the very least be original in your criticism.
It's clear to me people are losing their sense of realism with being glued to the enormous trend of superhero sci-fi films and unnecessary sequels. Cinema is also about intriguing dialogue with realistic earthly circumstances. Sometimes you need to appreciate a more realistic emotional story.
This film is simple yet at the same time complex as what most relationships are. Human emotion and romance isn't sappy or cheesy one liners you see in sitcoms. It's deep, its raw, its cruel, and it crosses boundaries.
I give it a 7/10 overall it's a good film with excellent acting however the only critique I have with the film is that it remains the same with no unexpected twists or turns revealed.
BRILLIANT ACTING
I love Zendaya she's absolutely outstanding in this film and in general, but if you watch this film for Zendaya only and literally nothing else, you have absolutely no substance and no appreciation for ones art and are clearly ignoring an equally brilliant performance by John David Washington.
Anyone who has a problem with seeing the story of another couple or human emotion either has an unusually stable relationship or has never been in a relationship at all.
I'm seeing so many mixed reviews and the more negative reviews tend to say the same thing with absolutely NO originality. "it's pretentious" "not engaging" "it's just about a couple fighting". You don't have to like the film but at the very least be original in your criticism.
It's clear to me people are losing their sense of realism with being glued to the enormous trend of superhero sci-fi films and unnecessary sequels. Cinema is also about intriguing dialogue with realistic earthly circumstances. Sometimes you need to appreciate a more realistic emotional story.
This film is simple yet at the same time complex as what most relationships are. Human emotion and romance isn't sappy or cheesy one liners you see in sitcoms. It's deep, its raw, its cruel, and it crosses boundaries.
I give it a 7/10 overall it's a good film with excellent acting however the only critique I have with the film is that it remains the same with no unexpected twists or turns revealed.
Who's Afraid of the Film Critic?
Cineanalyst6 February 2021
This is a fascinating one to read reviews for, including, if not especially, the ones with which I disagree. I think that's because "Malcolm & Marie" is explicitly about the creation and appreciation of cinematic art. The two-hander, one-house lockdown set (made as it was during the pandemic) talkfest takes place after the eponymous couple return home on the night of the premiere of Malcolm's debut film, which he wrote and directed. Their series of monologues--organized almost as if they were part of a formal debate, each talking at length largely uninterrupted and each taking time to formulate rebuttals--begin and end over his neglecting to thank Marie, herself a former actress turned "muse," in his public remarks at the premiere. Another focal point of the couple's arguments is an LA Times review of the unseen film-within-the-film. Indeed, the review makes some similar criticisms that have been leveled against "Malcolm & Marie," over authenticity, authorship, gender, race, stylistic choices. It's an argument about artistic values, within the film and continued in reviews of it.
I'm a sucker for this sort of reflexive construction. Initially, or instinctively, I had the urge to dismiss it, though, which some others seem to have, as an artsy and self-indulgent stagy exercise in overwrought overacting on black-and-white celluloid. A lot like in some ways two recent filmed plays, both of which I also liked, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "One Night in Miami" (both 2020). All three are unrealistic and dialogue heavy in their own ways where actors are sometimes playing ideas or arguments more than they are characters, and they're all artistically reflexive debates about art. "Malcolm & Marie," however, is more cinematically designed than them, while in form highly reminiscent of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (adapted from the play in 1966), with so much attention given to composition and the highlighting of that by its unusual nature as a modern black-and-white film. It's also focused on film--down to the celluloid vs digital debate--whereas the other recent movies are more about music or other media.
Regardless of whether this is semi-autobiographical of writer-director Sam Levinson's marriage, as filtered through actors John David Washington and Zendaya, and all the gender and racial issues that brings up with a white man telling the story of black characters, one female, within the film the neat suggestion is that it's making itself: that it's the result of the writer-director character, Malcolm, and actress, Marie, having made it themselves--and that it, too, is about talking about a prior film that's also semi-biographical. It's a multi-layered narrative mise-en-abyme. On top of that, the gorgeous high-contrast black-and-white cinematography is often framed through the home's many windows, creating another framing within the already-existent frame of the film--a visual mise-en-abyme alluding to the fact that this is a film. I like, too, how most of the score is diegetic.
Of course, this review is a reflection of how I interpret the film and approach cinema in general, while others may be more interested in discussing character deficiencies, the supposed realism, or socio-political issues and especially race, if they don't dismiss it out of hand as artsy, self-indulgent, etc. All valid criticisms, more or less, and I even agree with them in part, but every time a diatribe verged on obnoxious or at least exhausting, it's turned around, just as Malcolm and Marie go tit-for-tat in their verbal abuse and, then, to shared joy, breaking for a cigarette now and again in between. I found a lot of it to be quite funny. A film where the two characters unnaturally speak in long-winded monologues, as photographed in black and white, but which also plays out largely in real time and is so realistic that the camera follows them to the bathroom. Some of Malcolm's anti-academic rants, also for instance, ironically become academic in their criticisms--bringing up race and politics or the male gaze to refute them, as if Levinson were defending against accusations made of "Malcolm & Marie" even before it was released. Malcolm's movie criticized for gratuitous nudity while we see Zendaya as Marie in various states of undress, only for Malcolm to point out that if this were a film that could be similarly rebuked. Marie, an actress who may sometimes be acting and as played by a real actress, has her moments, as well, especially at one point when it seems as though the lovers' quarrel has really gone off the rails. It's not whether it's right, or who wins the argument, or even that the picture is profound or pretentious, but it's a thoughtful engagement with film on film.
I'm a sucker for this sort of reflexive construction. Initially, or instinctively, I had the urge to dismiss it, though, which some others seem to have, as an artsy and self-indulgent stagy exercise in overwrought overacting on black-and-white celluloid. A lot like in some ways two recent filmed plays, both of which I also liked, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "One Night in Miami" (both 2020). All three are unrealistic and dialogue heavy in their own ways where actors are sometimes playing ideas or arguments more than they are characters, and they're all artistically reflexive debates about art. "Malcolm & Marie," however, is more cinematically designed than them, while in form highly reminiscent of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (adapted from the play in 1966), with so much attention given to composition and the highlighting of that by its unusual nature as a modern black-and-white film. It's also focused on film--down to the celluloid vs digital debate--whereas the other recent movies are more about music or other media.
Regardless of whether this is semi-autobiographical of writer-director Sam Levinson's marriage, as filtered through actors John David Washington and Zendaya, and all the gender and racial issues that brings up with a white man telling the story of black characters, one female, within the film the neat suggestion is that it's making itself: that it's the result of the writer-director character, Malcolm, and actress, Marie, having made it themselves--and that it, too, is about talking about a prior film that's also semi-biographical. It's a multi-layered narrative mise-en-abyme. On top of that, the gorgeous high-contrast black-and-white cinematography is often framed through the home's many windows, creating another framing within the already-existent frame of the film--a visual mise-en-abyme alluding to the fact that this is a film. I like, too, how most of the score is diegetic.
Of course, this review is a reflection of how I interpret the film and approach cinema in general, while others may be more interested in discussing character deficiencies, the supposed realism, or socio-political issues and especially race, if they don't dismiss it out of hand as artsy, self-indulgent, etc. All valid criticisms, more or less, and I even agree with them in part, but every time a diatribe verged on obnoxious or at least exhausting, it's turned around, just as Malcolm and Marie go tit-for-tat in their verbal abuse and, then, to shared joy, breaking for a cigarette now and again in between. I found a lot of it to be quite funny. A film where the two characters unnaturally speak in long-winded monologues, as photographed in black and white, but which also plays out largely in real time and is so realistic that the camera follows them to the bathroom. Some of Malcolm's anti-academic rants, also for instance, ironically become academic in their criticisms--bringing up race and politics or the male gaze to refute them, as if Levinson were defending against accusations made of "Malcolm & Marie" even before it was released. Malcolm's movie criticized for gratuitous nudity while we see Zendaya as Marie in various states of undress, only for Malcolm to point out that if this were a film that could be similarly rebuked. Marie, an actress who may sometimes be acting and as played by a real actress, has her moments, as well, especially at one point when it seems as though the lovers' quarrel has really gone off the rails. It's not whether it's right, or who wins the argument, or even that the picture is profound or pretentious, but it's a thoughtful engagement with film on film.
Intense drama with superb acting. Think Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf.
JohnDeSando20 February 2021
"It's not just about you forgetting to thank me, Malcolm. It's about how you see me. And how you view my contribution; not just to this relationship, but to your work. Specifically, in a movie you made about my life." Marie (Zendaya)
If you've ever wondered why a film or play has been called a "two hander," here's a fine example: writer-director Sam Levinson's Malcolm & Marie. No other actors are needed, thank you. These two, John David Washington as Malcolm and Zendaya as Marie, eat up the lines without eating up the scenery without other actors.
Living together, they wait at their lavish beach home for the reviews of his new film, whose premiere from which they have just returned. Fueled by passion, narcissism, and plain old intelligence, they argue about the authenticity of his directing and the elements of the film based on her life as a recovering addict (See quote above). Think of just Taylor and Burton in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? without the two younger characters (in fact, the name of the unseen actress in his new film is "Taylor").
Through cycles of bitterness and love, the two characters in Malcolm define many of the important elements of art, most about the honesty of character and point of view or perspective of the artists. But underneath is the nagging is our suspicion that their solipsistic obsession with their craft keeps them from fully loving each other.
This romantic depiction of the conjunction of life and art is to be sipped like a fine Cognac, perhaps revisited to savor the brilliant script and watch two fine actors update the histrionics of Burton and Taylor into modern minimalism. Thanks, Netflix.
Through cycles of bitterness and love, the two characters in Malcolm define many of the important elements of art, most about the honesty of character and point of view or perspective of the artists. But underneath is the nagging is our suspicion that their solipsistic obsession with their craft keeps them from fully loving each other.
This romantic depiction of the conjunction of life and art is to be sipped like a fine Cognac, perhaps revisited to savor the brilliant script and watch two fine actors update the histrionics of Burton and Taylor into modern minimalism. Thanks, Netflix.
An ambitious examination of the complexities of relationships
jmalby5 February 2021
To my surprise, this was a very compelling film that featured captivating and powerful performances mixed with brilliant writing. The shifting balance between the two characters keeps us on edge the entire time and we're never quite sure where it's taking us next. It's definitely a daring film to make and I'm sure it will split audiences by a large margin. It's not very easy to digest and I believe it would be better suited for the stage than the screen. However, it's a bold and confident move from the director to make this kind of film, especially in this day and age of cinema, even though it doesn't entirely work to the level of his ambition.
This movie is one of the best relationship movies I've ever watched and here's why
nenwooh5 February 2021
A lot of people won't like this movie because they'd think its so boring and dull and the characters are repeating themselves just arguing and fighting, but hey! Guess what its what real relationship issues is like , this movie a real art work taken out of actual LIFE! It not all about action , thriller and superhero's , as less thrilling as it is as real as it will ever get , relatable and touching , its like a scene of real actual two couples going through a roller coaster of emotions , arguing about love , life , work , passion , movies and relationships.
The directing was so good , cinematography and the ACTING!! Zendaya and JDW gave a very real cruel amazing piece of work.
The directing was so good , cinematography and the ACTING!! Zendaya and JDW gave a very real cruel amazing piece of work.
Malcolm & Marie
mercantileluigi9 February 2021
An uninspired direction, black and white photography of dubious value and the talent of the two talented actors relegated to a sometimes embarrassing performance, always over the top. What is saved are the few passages that are sincere in their writing and measured in their acting.
"Thank You"
zkonedog15 February 2021
Sometimes, the best artistic endeavors come from odd or unplanned circumstances. Spielberg's shark malfunctions in Jaws? It ultimately sets the standard for unseen creepiness. Harrison Ford sick with a cold on the set of Raiders of the Lost Ark? Produces one of the most hilarious/endearing scenes of the entire film. In that same vein, "Malcolm & Marie" was created in the midst of a pandemic, thus necessitating only two leads, a stripped-down crew/location, and a rushed process. No time to make everything perfect or obsess over the small details. What results through this uncharacteristic process is an equally uncharacteristic cinematic experience.
For a very basic overview, "Malcolm and Marie" tells the story of the titular lead characters coming home from Malcolm's (John David Washington) film premiere. While he's bouncing off the walls with energy, wife Marie (Zendaya) seems a bit perturbed. Viewers quickly come to realize that Malcolm forgot to thank Marie in a speech, and that rift sets off an argument that continues deep into the night.
On the surface, it might be easy to see this flick as an angry one, or a pretentious one, or even an overly simple one. But it is anything but those things. Instead, it portrays the very human way that individuals communicate (or don't communicate) with each other and how that leads to repressed emotions and a buildup of emotional scar tissue. "Malcolm & Marie" rips through such old wounds to be an absolute treatise on how people argue or express emotions through conversation. Sure, not all may be able to put themselves in the exact shoes of a film producer and his insanely glamorous wife, but I can all but guarantee everyone has gone through a similar scenario with a spouse, significant other, parent, sibling, friend, etc. In other words, there is nary a person alive who won't be able to relate to what is transpiring between the two leads.
On an even deeper level, director/writer Sam Levinson turns the tables on the characters so many times that by the end, viewers are as stripped to the bone as the arguing couple. For example, at equal points one will be "in the corner" or either Malcolm or Marie, but then quickly realize the situation is much more complicated. Fortunately, the end goal here isn't to crown an "argument winner". Instead, it is to show what the process looks like and what each party wants at the end of the long night.
To accomplish this, terrific acting is needed--and gotten in spades. Washington is equal parts cool and likable, yet also extremely insecure and patronizing. He also delivers a few epic monologues here that remind me of his famous thespian father (Denzel). Zendaya matches him "blow for blow", if you will, slowly transitioning from "don't want to do this right now" partner to an emotional wreck as many old wounds/suspicions come home to roost. She also has a signature scene that will have you picking your jaw up off the floor.
Sadly, all anyone seems to be talking about regarding "Malcolm & Marie" is the scene in which Malcolm (echoing a real-life event from Levinson's past) lambasts a critic for her review of his film. A bit of a controversial scene, but even then it portrays many truths wrapped up in a number of insecurities and passions. That's what one always gets with this movie--no hard and fast answers, but rather an emotional wallop that will leave you sorting through it for days after viewing.
I truly hope that over time, people begin to see "Malcolm and Marie" for what it really is: an utter tour de force on the nature of arguments, relationships, and how difficult it can be to honestly express one's feelings to another. To my mind, there is much award-worthy material within its runtime.
For a very basic overview, "Malcolm and Marie" tells the story of the titular lead characters coming home from Malcolm's (John David Washington) film premiere. While he's bouncing off the walls with energy, wife Marie (Zendaya) seems a bit perturbed. Viewers quickly come to realize that Malcolm forgot to thank Marie in a speech, and that rift sets off an argument that continues deep into the night.
On the surface, it might be easy to see this flick as an angry one, or a pretentious one, or even an overly simple one. But it is anything but those things. Instead, it portrays the very human way that individuals communicate (or don't communicate) with each other and how that leads to repressed emotions and a buildup of emotional scar tissue. "Malcolm & Marie" rips through such old wounds to be an absolute treatise on how people argue or express emotions through conversation. Sure, not all may be able to put themselves in the exact shoes of a film producer and his insanely glamorous wife, but I can all but guarantee everyone has gone through a similar scenario with a spouse, significant other, parent, sibling, friend, etc. In other words, there is nary a person alive who won't be able to relate to what is transpiring between the two leads.
On an even deeper level, director/writer Sam Levinson turns the tables on the characters so many times that by the end, viewers are as stripped to the bone as the arguing couple. For example, at equal points one will be "in the corner" or either Malcolm or Marie, but then quickly realize the situation is much more complicated. Fortunately, the end goal here isn't to crown an "argument winner". Instead, it is to show what the process looks like and what each party wants at the end of the long night.
To accomplish this, terrific acting is needed--and gotten in spades. Washington is equal parts cool and likable, yet also extremely insecure and patronizing. He also delivers a few epic monologues here that remind me of his famous thespian father (Denzel). Zendaya matches him "blow for blow", if you will, slowly transitioning from "don't want to do this right now" partner to an emotional wreck as many old wounds/suspicions come home to roost. She also has a signature scene that will have you picking your jaw up off the floor.
Sadly, all anyone seems to be talking about regarding "Malcolm & Marie" is the scene in which Malcolm (echoing a real-life event from Levinson's past) lambasts a critic for her review of his film. A bit of a controversial scene, but even then it portrays many truths wrapped up in a number of insecurities and passions. That's what one always gets with this movie--no hard and fast answers, but rather an emotional wallop that will leave you sorting through it for days after viewing.
I truly hope that over time, people begin to see "Malcolm and Marie" for what it really is: an utter tour de force on the nature of arguments, relationships, and how difficult it can be to honestly express one's feelings to another. To my mind, there is much award-worthy material within its runtime.
Repetitive
mr_bickle_the_pickle14 February 2021
The acting is good and it's beautifully shot but it's soooo repetitive. A character puts on music, a character smokes. They argue. They make-up. They discuss filmmaking and "art". Characters talk while shoveling food down their mouths. Wash, rinse, repeat. It could have been a good short film. You get everything you really need in like 30 min. But alas its feature length film. So instead you're just hit with the same points again and again. It never adds anything new.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING PERFORMANCES
atianaasimmons225 February 2021
Exhausting to watch but good!
Queenie045 February 2021
I'm glad I watched this film in my living room with the volume low and not at the cinema.
The dialogues were a bit on and off to me. It was a bit hard to keep up at times with all the shouting and swearing. Sometimes a bit too scholar on Marie's side, like she was reading her lines.
That said, I think the acting was really good. Enough to keep me captivated during the whole time. It felt authentic.
The aesthetic in general was raw and really beautiful.
The dialogues were a bit on and off to me. It was a bit hard to keep up at times with all the shouting and swearing. Sometimes a bit too scholar on Marie's side, like she was reading her lines.
That said, I think the acting was really good. Enough to keep me captivated during the whole time. It felt authentic.
The aesthetic in general was raw and really beautiful.
Should Have Been A Short Film
dashtag12346 February 2021
This movie starts out really solid, the first 20 minutes feel like a really good short film. The movie should've just ended there. Basically after that the conversation and conflict between characters just go in circles for another hour and a half. It's basically pointless. Movie is also very pretentious, with this black-and-white filter making it look all artsy but it's really just trying to act cool. The acting is pretty good, but nothing can save this movie from it's terrible pacing. It is very dull and feels like we are hearing words directly out of the directors mouth. It's more like an autobiography or a blog post than a movie.
they are both annoying
neesahanthony12 February 2021
I enjoyed the first 30 minutes but before long i got tired of the both of them, especially marie. this movie was incredibly pretentious, on one note tho john david washington did amazing in this movie and for sure carried.
GREAT PERFORMANCES
andreascaloni9 April 2021
Malcolm and Marie follows a writer-director and his girlfriend, whose relationship is tested on the night of his latest film's premiere when revelations about themselves surface. The movie has two great performances both from the two main and only characters, Josh David Washington and Zendaya. However the story is simple and the film isn't remarkable. Nevertheless it has a good rythm and gives a great opportunity to these two emerging actors.
Rating: 7,2.
Rating: 7,2.
It's not made for everyone
martagpsantos26 February 2022
Not a movie for everyone and I think that's an amazing thing.
This movie shows parts of human interactions, behaviors and accumulation of frustrations that not everyone will understand, like or even agree. Doesn't necessary mean it's a toxic relationship, what's being shown it's how, sometimes, things "blow up" and the ugly parts that come up. I loved every part, felt every part and the last monologues from Marie sums it all.
A beautiful piece of art this movie.
I see a variety of opinions and I thinks it's normal, I'm fact, I think only those who experienced at some degree what's being revealed in the film will actually understand it, feel it and appreciated by what it really is.
This movie shows parts of human interactions, behaviors and accumulation of frustrations that not everyone will understand, like or even agree. Doesn't necessary mean it's a toxic relationship, what's being shown it's how, sometimes, things "blow up" and the ugly parts that come up. I loved every part, felt every part and the last monologues from Marie sums it all.
A beautiful piece of art this movie.
I see a variety of opinions and I thinks it's normal, I'm fact, I think only those who experienced at some degree what's being revealed in the film will actually understand it, feel it and appreciated by what it really is.
Good lines
sk0516456 February 2021
Too pretentious to be genuine
magsmovies8 February 2021
Nobody talks like this in the middle of a heated argument, especially with alcohol involved. The passion was there in the physical acting, but the verbose lines felt entirely too premeditated and rehearsed to be delivered organically as they would be in a spontaneous lover's spat. They just take turns spouting off eloquently composed diatribe. Cinematography is the one redeeming quality. Beyond that, I couldn't get past the toxicity of their psychological jabs to find the takeaway of this abusive character study with no resolution. In summation: TLDR; Relationships are messy and Sam Levinson's grudge for Katie Walsh runs deep.
Brilliant piece of art but not everyone will enjoy it
trinaboice1 February 2021
IN A NUTSHELL:
Brilliantly written and directed by Sam Levinson, this is one of the very first movies to be written, directed, and produced during the Covid-19 pandemic! The entire movie was filmed in black and white, a visual symbol that speaks volumes, making this movie a piece of modern art. The film is already earning Oscar buzz for the film and the actors...all well deserved.
John David Washington plays a filmmaker on the night of his premiere. As a film critic myself, his character's perspective and comments gave me a lot to think about. He and Zendaya's character talk about film, love, relationships, gratitude, politics, and art.
THINGS I LIKED: The fact that this movie only has 2 cast members is extremely impressive, especially considering how compelling they are to watch for almost 2 whole hours. I'm such a huge fan of John David Washington and thought he was stellar in Blackkklansman. He's also EXCELLENT in this film. Did you know he's the son of Academy Award winner Denzel Washington? Not surprising. There's a scene at about the 40-minute mark that was truly amazing. It immediately reminded me of some of the unbelievable monologues his father gave in the movie Fences. It also reminded me of Adam Driver's jaw-dropping performance in Marriage Story. John David also joined the team of producers on this film. Zendaya is only 24 years old and is already so incredibly accomplished in cinema. For being 12 years younger than John David, she sure did match his performance in this movie. I felt like she really grew up and gave an extremely impressive performance that puts her on the map. Because the movie was filmed during the pandemic, she did all of her own makeup, costume design, and set dressings. She also joined John David as a producer for the film. In fact, she was the one who contacted Sam Levinson to kickstart this project. They grew close during their time together filming Euphoria and continued to collaborate artistically. They all should be very proud of this work. The direction and camera work were artistic masterpieces. Truly stunning. I love that the movie was in black and white. Every frame is immaculate. There is mention of the classic black and white movie Citizen Kane. I think Orson Welles would have been proud of this film. Fantastic one-shot scenes. I thought the references to The Lego Movie movie were hilarious. There are so many insightful comments about cinema. If you watch this movie, consider watching it with captions turned on and the pause button in your hand so you can really analyze and savor each flavorful line. The Cee-Lo song that played during the end credits was perfect when he sings "There's a fine line between love and hate." The song is from the Outkast track Liberation You will feel all the feels, especially if you've ever been in a romantic relationship. Word has it that part of this movie's story was inspired by when Sam Levinson forgot to thank his wife during his speech at the Sundance Film Festival. Ouch.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: Some viewers won't like watching a new film in black and white. When the actors whisper to each other, it's hard to hear what they're saying. I hate seeing Zendaya smoke, ruining the health of her cute body. The constant fighting is exhausting. Sooooo much yelling. I felt like I was being physically assaulted with all of that crude, violent language. I wish Zendaya hadn't been in her underwear for most of the movie. Then again, I understand the visual portrayal of vulnerability.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: You see a woman sit on a toilet and later in a bathtub, but her private parts are covered. Later you see her in skimpy, revealing underwear. Profanity, crude language, and sooooo many F-bombs The "N" word is used several times. Kids will be completely bored. It's really NOT a movie kids should watch anyway. Lots of smoking and drinking Talk of drug use and rehab Talk of sex
l!
John David Washington plays a filmmaker on the night of his premiere. As a film critic myself, his character's perspective and comments gave me a lot to think about. He and Zendaya's character talk about film, love, relationships, gratitude, politics, and art.
THINGS I LIKED: The fact that this movie only has 2 cast members is extremely impressive, especially considering how compelling they are to watch for almost 2 whole hours. I'm such a huge fan of John David Washington and thought he was stellar in Blackkklansman. He's also EXCELLENT in this film. Did you know he's the son of Academy Award winner Denzel Washington? Not surprising. There's a scene at about the 40-minute mark that was truly amazing. It immediately reminded me of some of the unbelievable monologues his father gave in the movie Fences. It also reminded me of Adam Driver's jaw-dropping performance in Marriage Story. John David also joined the team of producers on this film. Zendaya is only 24 years old and is already so incredibly accomplished in cinema. For being 12 years younger than John David, she sure did match his performance in this movie. I felt like she really grew up and gave an extremely impressive performance that puts her on the map. Because the movie was filmed during the pandemic, she did all of her own makeup, costume design, and set dressings. She also joined John David as a producer for the film. In fact, she was the one who contacted Sam Levinson to kickstart this project. They grew close during their time together filming Euphoria and continued to collaborate artistically. They all should be very proud of this work. The direction and camera work were artistic masterpieces. Truly stunning. I love that the movie was in black and white. Every frame is immaculate. There is mention of the classic black and white movie Citizen Kane. I think Orson Welles would have been proud of this film. Fantastic one-shot scenes. I thought the references to The Lego Movie movie were hilarious. There are so many insightful comments about cinema. If you watch this movie, consider watching it with captions turned on and the pause button in your hand so you can really analyze and savor each flavorful line. The Cee-Lo song that played during the end credits was perfect when he sings "There's a fine line between love and hate." The song is from the Outkast track Liberation You will feel all the feels, especially if you've ever been in a romantic relationship. Word has it that part of this movie's story was inspired by when Sam Levinson forgot to thank his wife during his speech at the Sundance Film Festival. Ouch.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: Some viewers won't like watching a new film in black and white. When the actors whisper to each other, it's hard to hear what they're saying. I hate seeing Zendaya smoke, ruining the health of her cute body. The constant fighting is exhausting. Sooooo much yelling. I felt like I was being physically assaulted with all of that crude, violent language. I wish Zendaya hadn't been in her underwear for most of the movie. Then again, I understand the visual portrayal of vulnerability.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: You see a woman sit on a toilet and later in a bathtub, but her private parts are covered. Later you see her in skimpy, revealing underwear. Profanity, crude language, and sooooo many F-bombs The "N" word is used several times. Kids will be completely bored. It's really NOT a movie kids should watch anyway. Lots of smoking and drinking Talk of drug use and rehab Talk of sex
l!
Stage...ish.
Kikijeanne16 February 2021
The way it's written and performed is done more in the style of a stage production, not the normal naturalism you'd expect on screen. Can makes it seem overacted. I don't know, it's a stylistic choice... I just don't know if it's a choice the director intended to make. Someone here said it's like a collection of acting exercises, which is pretty accurate.
Didn't finish. Some might like it, some might not. Could feel the presence of some over-directing in it. Like the way Malcolm ate the mac and cheese. Eurgh, no. Stop. You're wasting your actors potential.
Didn't finish. Some might like it, some might not. Could feel the presence of some over-directing in it. Like the way Malcolm ate the mac and cheese. Eurgh, no. Stop. You're wasting your actors potential.
Great Performances in a Not so Great Movie
laurenjfree5 February 2021
I absolutely love both Zendaya and John David Washington. They both gave phenomenal performances in the film, but the plot is where my real problems lie.
Movies about relationships and moments in time are amongst some of my favorites. However, it has to have more. It has to have the heart that pulls us in and makes us really believe in what were watching. As if we are there, watching these characters lives unfold before us as we, the audience, try desperately to keep their fictional love alive. I live for movies I like that. I wanted to be invested. Malcolm and Marie missed the mark.
There were some really beautiful scenes, but why was it filmed in monochrome? Black and white movies are fantastic, when it serves a purpose. It worked so well in Roma and The Lighthouse, BECAUSE IT SERVED A PURPOSE. Rather, in Malcolm and Marie it came off as a pretentious student film.
The characters had the same arguments over and over again. Although I wasn't bored, it felt repetitive. I needed something more to grab onto. I needed a jaw dropping ending, I needed to think about when I made dinner and dream about when I went to bed. Alternatively, it left my mind the moment I switched off my TV. This isn't a movie im ever going to rewatch, and I doubt I'm alone in that respect.
I'm giving it a 6/10, although the weak plot and ranting dialogue deserves less, Zendaya and John didn't disappoint. They both really know how to act.
I don't know wether to recommend Malcolm and Marie or not. It's all on Netflix so give it a shot, maybe you'll see something I couldn't
Movies about relationships and moments in time are amongst some of my favorites. However, it has to have more. It has to have the heart that pulls us in and makes us really believe in what were watching. As if we are there, watching these characters lives unfold before us as we, the audience, try desperately to keep their fictional love alive. I live for movies I like that. I wanted to be invested. Malcolm and Marie missed the mark.
There were some really beautiful scenes, but why was it filmed in monochrome? Black and white movies are fantastic, when it serves a purpose. It worked so well in Roma and The Lighthouse, BECAUSE IT SERVED A PURPOSE. Rather, in Malcolm and Marie it came off as a pretentious student film.
The characters had the same arguments over and over again. Although I wasn't bored, it felt repetitive. I needed something more to grab onto. I needed a jaw dropping ending, I needed to think about when I made dinner and dream about when I went to bed. Alternatively, it left my mind the moment I switched off my TV. This isn't a movie im ever going to rewatch, and I doubt I'm alone in that respect.
I'm giving it a 6/10, although the weak plot and ranting dialogue deserves less, Zendaya and John didn't disappoint. They both really know how to act.
I don't know wether to recommend Malcolm and Marie or not. It's all on Netflix so give it a shot, maybe you'll see something I couldn't
Strong premise. Flawed execution.
OhDavidMyCaptain16 February 2021
Malcolm and Marie is one of those movies that you're happy you watched out of sheer curiosity if nothing else.
The premise is a strong one that doesn't seem to go anywhere important, but that isn't to say that it doesn't have a moment or two sprinkled throughout its runtime. It's certainly a glorious film to look at and the performances of Zendaya and Malcolm Washington are so captivating that I almost forgot that what I was watching was pretty much pointless.
Watch it cautiously. It isn't a complete waste of time but I'm sure there's better things to find while scrolling.
The premise is a strong one that doesn't seem to go anywhere important, but that isn't to say that it doesn't have a moment or two sprinkled throughout its runtime. It's certainly a glorious film to look at and the performances of Zendaya and Malcolm Washington are so captivating that I almost forgot that what I was watching was pretty much pointless.
Watch it cautiously. It isn't a complete waste of time but I'm sure there's better things to find while scrolling.
The thin line between love and hate (but the sum of the parts doesn't add up)
paul-allaer2 February 2021
As "Malcolm & Marie" (2021 release; 106 min.) opens, the couple arrives home late at night, after Malcolm's latest film has premiered to apparently great buzz. Malcolm is putting on some great music, while Marie starts preparing some mac and cheese. As the conversation turns, we learn that Marie is quite upset with Malcolm as he failed to thank her in his post-movie's speech, despite the film being inspired by her drug addiction in a prior life. It marks the start of a looooong evening...
Couple of comments: this is the latest project from Sam Levinson, best known for the HBO TV series "Euphoria", starring Zendaya. When "Euphoria" shut down production due to COVID-19, he pitched some ideas for a feature film to Zendaya, who eagerly accepted this particular idea. John David Washington equally jumped on it. It all sounded so promising, and when I saw the film's trailer recently, I couldn't wait to see this. Alas, something doesn't quite add up. The biggest shortcoming is without a doubt the script. It's just not equipped to provide 1 hr. and 45 min. of in-depth characters. To be clear: there are only 2 characters in the film. The trajectory of the characters is too obvious: from hot to cold, to hot again, and then to cold again, and at some point you just want to yell "enough already!". Check out the long monolgue that Malcolm gives upon reading the LA Times review of his new film "by that white chick". I mean, even John David Washington collapses in the film at the end of that rant from sheer exhaustion! But then there are scenes that are very powerful. So in the end it's a bit of a bixed bag, and frankly this feels like a missed opportunity. Please note that the film is shot in B&W, and features an outstanding soundtrack with choice cuts from James Brown, Outcast, and many others. It is also noteworthy that this is touted as the first Hollywood film produced and shot entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic, adhering fully to the COVID restrictions during the movie's production.
"Malcolm & Marie" was self-financed by Sam Levison and his wife (with a minuscule $2.5 million production budget), and then Netflix snapped it up for an eye-popping $30 million. The film was released for a limited theatrical run this past weekend, before then moving on to Netflix in the near future. The Sunday early evening screening where I saw this at turned out to be a private screening: I was the only person in the theater (and the rest of the theater complex resembled a ghost town). I honestly don't know how movie theaters can operate profitably in the current pandemic. And it's not like this will change any time soon. Meanwhile if you are interested in a relationship drama or are simply a fan of Zendaya or John David Washington, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater (if you still can), on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the latest project from Sam Levinson, best known for the HBO TV series "Euphoria", starring Zendaya. When "Euphoria" shut down production due to COVID-19, he pitched some ideas for a feature film to Zendaya, who eagerly accepted this particular idea. John David Washington equally jumped on it. It all sounded so promising, and when I saw the film's trailer recently, I couldn't wait to see this. Alas, something doesn't quite add up. The biggest shortcoming is without a doubt the script. It's just not equipped to provide 1 hr. and 45 min. of in-depth characters. To be clear: there are only 2 characters in the film. The trajectory of the characters is too obvious: from hot to cold, to hot again, and then to cold again, and at some point you just want to yell "enough already!". Check out the long monolgue that Malcolm gives upon reading the LA Times review of his new film "by that white chick". I mean, even John David Washington collapses in the film at the end of that rant from sheer exhaustion! But then there are scenes that are very powerful. So in the end it's a bit of a bixed bag, and frankly this feels like a missed opportunity. Please note that the film is shot in B&W, and features an outstanding soundtrack with choice cuts from James Brown, Outcast, and many others. It is also noteworthy that this is touted as the first Hollywood film produced and shot entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic, adhering fully to the COVID restrictions during the movie's production.
"Malcolm & Marie" was self-financed by Sam Levison and his wife (with a minuscule $2.5 million production budget), and then Netflix snapped it up for an eye-popping $30 million. The film was released for a limited theatrical run this past weekend, before then moving on to Netflix in the near future. The Sunday early evening screening where I saw this at turned out to be a private screening: I was the only person in the theater (and the rest of the theater complex resembled a ghost town). I honestly don't know how movie theaters can operate profitably in the current pandemic. And it's not like this will change any time soon. Meanwhile if you are interested in a relationship drama or are simply a fan of Zendaya or John David Washington, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater (if you still can), on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
Not sold on a lot of what this offers, but the acting from Zendaya and John David Washington is absolutely phenomenal
r96sk5 March 2021
Not sold on a lot of what this offers, but the acting from Zendaya and John David Washington is absolutely phenomenal - flawless, in fact.
The aforementioned duo are truly outstanding, I loved their performances from start-to-finish; whether it the more serious bits or the more amusing parts. Great delivery, best acting I've seen in a film in a while - no word of a lie.
As noted at the top, I'm admittedly not fully sure about the rest of the film. I'm definitely not saying it's bad, disappointing or anything but I am unsure about it. Honestly though, the two leads take away any negatives I may have from the production's other departments. They elevate it, for sure.
I'd fully recommend checking out 'Malcolm & Marie' - if only for Zendaya and Washington.
The aforementioned duo are truly outstanding, I loved their performances from start-to-finish; whether it the more serious bits or the more amusing parts. Great delivery, best acting I've seen in a film in a while - no word of a lie.
As noted at the top, I'm admittedly not fully sure about the rest of the film. I'm definitely not saying it's bad, disappointing or anything but I am unsure about it. Honestly though, the two leads take away any negatives I may have from the production's other departments. They elevate it, for sure.
I'd fully recommend checking out 'Malcolm & Marie' - if only for Zendaya and Washington.
Meh & Meh
coreyjdenford5 February 2021
As we learned from 2019's divorce drama Marriage Story, a true conversation piece is traditionally between two people, there's generally a lot of shouting, debating, arguing and occasionally there's the odd flourish into serenity. It's often cathartic and quite thereputic for two actors with very good chemistry to vent at each other, Marriage Story was successful because of that - one reason why it's lead actors walked away with an Oscar nomination each. Malcolm & Marie is less the success story, more of a flawed conversation caper, though it's two leads aren't the film's main problem as both Zendaya fresh off her Primetime Emmy win for Euphoria and John David Washington who's starting to sound a lot like a young Denzel ever time we see him, their performances are solid, you'll be sold on it just for that alone they have fantastic chemistry almost as good as Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson in the aforementioned Marriage Story. Everything in Malcolm & Marie works, the script is good, the directing is gold and it receives an A+ in acting, but the thing that sinks it is it's less a conversation piece about a couple that's on the verge of braking apart more a thesis on how awful film critics can be, and even the film takes that into context when it leads into venting about white frustration. But other than that this quarantine written and directed film is provocative and seductively stylish that it's such a shame the film is brought down by wrought self indulgence. 3/5.
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