“Malcolm and Marie”. A simple title for a not so simple film.
The film stars Emmy Award Winning Actress Zendaya Coleman and John David Washington. Their relationship is explored and tested on the night after Malcolm’s (Washington) movie premiere.
The only two characters in the film are the title characters and the only setting of the film is the home. These elements of the film are interesting as it forces the viewer to focus on the dialogue between the two characters. The film is also shot in black and white. Personally, that was the most intriguing cinematic element because there was nothing “black and white” about the pair. It’s safe to say it was a clever paradox. Also, the film being depicted in black and white implies that these characters could be from any era, making it timeless.
The film explores a relationship between two people who are in love with each other. However, during their discussion following the movie premiere, they point out each other’s flaws. Marie feels like Malcolm does not value her. She feels like he is using her and their relationship to create authentic films for personal gain. On the contrary, Malcolm argues that she should be “grateful” for him. He believes all he has done for her is out of “love”. Malcolm feels that Marie is overwhelmingly emotional. The basis of their argument is common.
The words spoken amongst eachother are raw and brutally honest. I think that’s what makes this film captivating. It doesn’t hold back. Although their discussion is difficult to watch, they are both open with their doubts and fears. Commonly in films that depict romance, there is a focus on one side. That one side is the good side.The side that makes you say “aww” while watching. This film isn’t quite that. Malcolm and Marie are two broken people torn between the woes of their pain and they let that show throughout the film.
Malcolm and Marie was written in such a way that the actors were able to use every emotion and I think that’s what made it a masterpiece of a film. (Totally my opinion).
So what is the takeaway? Love can be ugly. Behind closed doors, there isn’t always a beautiful and happy home. However, that does not mean you should give up. Confronting the issues you have with your partner is the first step to growth.
Watch “Malcolm and Marie” on Netflix Now!