Malcolm and Marie movie review

MOVIE TITLE: MALCOLM AND MARIE

Available on Netflix on February 5, 2021

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 46 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

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 (The Criterion Collection). 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 Special Episode Part 1: Rue 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 [Clean]
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

THEMES:

Love, relationships
Taking people for granted
Communication
Race & gender
The art of cinema
Film critics
Gratitude. Just say thank you!

FUNNY LINES:

“Your white voice is crazy.” – Malcolm
“It was a super white moment.” – Malcolm
“I’m tired of fighting, Marie.” – Malcolm “Well, that was a fight you had entirely with yourself.” – Marie
“I feel like we’re going to get married and divorced a couple of times so we might as well get started.” – Malcolm

INTERESTING LINES:

“I promise that nothing productive is going to be said tonight.” – Marie
“This isn’t a fight. It’s an observation.” – Marie
“None of us is proud of when we first started off.” – Malcolm
“I don’t need you but I love you.” – Malcolm
“Cinema doesn’t have to have a message. It needs to have a F’n heart.” – Malcolm
“Because of your limitations as a lover and a filmmaker, we are both ducking for cover.” – Marie