MARRIAGE STORY MOVIE REVIEW

Best known for their characters in the “Star Wars” saga and Marvel’s cinematic universe, Adam Driver and Scarlet Johansson step out of their coveted roles and star in one of the year’s best films, Netflix’s “Marriage Story.”

In recent years, the Hollywood trend of including streaming platform films and content into the awards circuit has caused quite the controversy amongst critically-acclaimed filmmakers; Netflix and Amazon being the forefront of it all.

 Netflix’s main films aimed towards critics, “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story,” “The Two Popes,” and “Dolemite is My Name,” are strong contenders earning a total of 34 Golden Globe nominations along with their TV series’.

Directed by Noah Baumbach, “Marriage Story” depicts the rawness and hardships of marital issues and divorce. The emotional and painstaking transition the characters, Charlie and Nicole (played by Driver and Johansson) go through keep the audience invested  in the story.

Whether or not Baumbach used personal experiences to depict the plot of the film, “Marriage Story” seems accurate for the modern-day setting in which the film takes place.

Baumbach’s opening scene in the film is one of the greatest of this year; all his decisions throughout the film were sharp, on-point and fit the narrative. Much credit for that goes to of cinematographer Robbie Ryan.

Baumbach is deserving of his Golden Globe nominations during award season for best directing and best screenplay, with the second being a possible win.

He uses undertones and nuances to reflect the times we live in today.

The cast itself exerts extraordinary performances. Driver’s commitment and emotional connection with Charlie Barber is one of the best roles seen of him as of late. Of course, being nominated for Spike Lee’s 2018 film “Blackkklansman,” Driver is deserving of his Golden Globes nomination for Best Actor.

As used widely in the press, “This is Scar-Jo’s year.” After sacrificing her Black Widow character in the biggest box-office film of all time, “Avengers: Endgame,” as well as getting her solo film for the character slated for May of 2020, Johansson is now a Golden Globe nominee.

Together Driver and Johansson’s couple dynamic is real and palpable.

Deserving honorable mentions are attorney characters played by Laura Dern, who received a Golden Globe nomination in this role for best supporting actress at next year’s award show. Dern                               and Ray Liotta who take their stereotypical roles and flip the switch and make them scene stealers; truly wonderful performances all around.

“Marriage Story” is a Netflix film which ironically could damage the film’s overall impact with viewers.
For those interested in these particular award-driven dramas, “Marriage Story” is meant for the big screen, not for small devices.

Overall, Baumbach’s latest film is an unexpected and refreshing film that adult audiences will enjoy. A must-see for the Netflix platform and an exciting contender in the competitive awards race.

RATING-

5/5

Director: Noah Baumbach

Cast: Adam Driver, Scarlet Johansson, Laura Dern, Ray Liotta

Sebastian Guzman