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Malcolm & Marie is the newest Netflix original movie that stars John David Washington and Zendaya as the titular couple Malcolm & Marie. Malcolm is a young filmmaker who returns home with his girlfriend Marie after his movie's initial premiere and awaits his film's critical response, the evening takes a turn as revelations about their relationship begin to surface, testing the couple's love for one another. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, who else but Netflix to release a movie on two people whose love for each other is tested beyond anything they have experienced before?
To nobody's surprise, John David Washington gives one of his best performances ever and Zendaya in my opinion gives the best performance of her career. They both are extremely raw and don't hold anything back. Malcolm is a loving man who at times is self-absorbed and is focused on furthering his career at the expense at times of his girlfriend Marie unknown to himself. Zendaya's character Marie is a woman who has had enough. She no longer will take what she perceives to be constant neglect from Malcolm and wants to be seen as his equal. I would expect both these actors to receive not only Oscar nominations for their performances but potentially a win, especially for Zendaya.
The movie was shot on 35mm film in black and white, and it's beautiful. The picture is crisp and clear yet feels different than most movies. It feels realistic like you are watching in person a couple who is at their breaking point. The direction is perfectly executed and the characters although close in proximity, feel miles apart from each other. The director Sam Levinson does a great job at showing the characters conversing in the moment. One moment they could be having an affectious conversation towards one another and then the next be yelling and screaming because of some offhand comment.
My favorite thing about Malcolm & Marie would have to be the perception of both characters throughout the film. Throughout the movie, I found myself switching sides on which character whose side I was on. You learn throughout the movie, they both have a past, and both aren't perfect in the relationship.
The script for the film unfortunately feels extremely corny and fake at times. I was particularly bugged as in one scene, the tension between the two characters is ruined by ridiculous dialogue that follows afterwards. John David Washington's character Malcolm goes on multiple expletive rants that are way too long and just become laughable after a while. The first one was great, the second one was okay but after that it just became too much. Other than that, I really enjoyed Malcolm & Marie. Netflix original movies are hit & miss but this one I enjoyed quite a bit. While it is not perfect, it is definitely worth checking out. Bravo Netflix.
Grade: B+
Malcolm & Marie premieres on Netflix February 5th.