I watched with interest, curiosity, and admiration. But when it ended, I knew that ‘Malcolm & Marie, now on Netflix, is a film that I will never see again. In the end, exasperation eclipsed all other emotions.
Beautifully presented in high contrast black and white, the film is essentially a one act play: just two characters, one set ( a gorgeous Hollywood Hills home), during one evening.
Our characters have just returned home from the Hollywood premiere of his feature film- an evening during which Malcolm (John David Washington) has graciously thanked everyone during his comprehensive speech, but has forgotten to thank his girlfriend, Marie (Zendaya).
So, as the creative couple arrive home – he takes off his tie, she gets out of her formal dress. They settle into an argument that is, by turns, humorous, excruciatingly mean, and, like all arguments between lovers, sometimes just petty.
And just when the argument begins to conclude and land surprisingly softly…it starts back up again. He has the upper hand in this round. She takes control in the next round. And round and round they (we) go. It really does get exhausting in its repetition.
Initially, and this is an over-the-top compliment on my part, there is almost a ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe’ vibe to the construction of the dialogue. The meanness with which the couple eviscerate each other. But, again, it’s the slow revelation that this is all there will be to the story that makes you check the time.
Washington turns up the heat and you are in awe of his ability to keep the energy level that high through that much dialogue, through that length of time. He does a lot with the words that director/writer Sam Levinson, in a naked display of self-indulgence, has poured onto the pages.
Zendaya is equally fierce and arguably has the more nuanced role – turning from victim to perpetrator and back again on a dime.
But who wants to spend the evening with The Bickersons? Well, maybe just once, but never again.
Malcolm & Marie 2 ½ out of 4 Stars. Reviewed by Kyle Osborne.
Now on Netflix. 1h 46 min. Lots of F-bombs, no violence or nudity. Photos courtesy Netflix
