Marriage Story (2019)

Marriage Story

• I’m not totally sure why I waited so long to watch this. It’s been high up on my watchlist for awhile, and the fact that I only just got to it bewilders me. The reason I say that is because this is one of the best representations of a strained relationship that I’ve seen in film. Of course, I’ve never been in a relationship, and I’ve never been around divorce, but still, the film feels and looks so authentic, that I feel like I have. I don’t mean to make a joke of that or say it lightly. The story involves the marriage and eventual divorce of Charlie and Nicole, who are brilliantly written by Noah Baumbach. You see how their relationship slowly falls apart, and the following legal proceedings and family affairs. It’s nothing crazy. I mean, emotionally, it is, but it’s not super complex. It just depicts life as how it actually is, and how these things can go. It’s a sad but beautiful representation. The performances from Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver are absolutely out of this world, and both were nominated for an Academy Award. They were relatable and true to their characters. Laura Dern was also great. The score by Randy Newman was also very touching and helped create a comfortable but tense atmosphere. I think the absolute best thing this film did, though, was not pick a side of a character. You see all aspects, all viewpoints, all schools of thought for both Charlie and Nicole. You aren’t pushed to agree or disagree with one person. You see everything, and get to figure out where you stand as you go on. It’s so subjective and I love it. Like when Charlie tells Henry that he wonders if he cried the same four times that Henry did during the movie they saw. It shows how everyone can see a film in different ways, or understand or feel things different from everyone else. I just loved that moment so much. It helps define not just this film, but cinema itself. Overall, this film is masterfully made, with very few flaws that I can see. So many touching moments that leave you emotionally drained, but it’s all worth it in the end. I’d recommend this to everyone. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!