Sam Levinson’s Malcolm & Marie is a drama that tells the tale of a director, Malcolm, who has just come home from the premiere of his first movie with his girlfriend, Marie. John David Washington, who is most famously known for his role in the Academy Award winning movie, BlacKkKlansman, and Zendaya, who plays the role of Rue in Euphoria, play the roles of the main characters in this independent film. Malcolm is a narcissistic and arrogant film writer who fails to comprehend anyone else’s emotions but his own. This film explores the trauma and emotional abuse that occurs in this destructive relationship. Aside from showcasing the dramatic whirlwinds of Malcolm and Marie’s relationship, Levinson also takes the time to dive into the world of stereotypical critics as well.
The movie takes place in a grand house that the producer’s of Malcolm's movie purchased for him. The marvelous house that the couple is staying in represents the amount of space in the relationship and how out of tune they actually are. The dramatic tone of the film is set within the beginning of the movie due to the setting and appearance of the film. Choosing to make the film in black and white and also increases the intensity of the movie. In this grand house after the premiere of the movie, Malcolm is enjoying a few drinks while listening to some of James Brown’s old records while Marie seems annoyed with his joy. Marie is upset with Malcolm because he did not thank her during his acceptance speech for the movie which turns out to be based upon her life. Marie is a witty recovering addict who has seemed to put many of Malcolm's flaws to the side in order to keep the relationship flowing.
Levinson does a great job at establishing a scene and a mood within the first fifteen minutes of the movie. It does not take much to sense the tension between the two. Zendaya’s facial expressions and body language are phenomenal in this film. Aside from her staggering presence, the best part of this move is Zendaya’s acting. Her many monologues in this movie capture the entire tone and message of the movie. Brian Tallerico states in his review of the film, “Oh, there are some great monologues—Zendaya nails each of hers in a way that almost holds the entire film together—but Levinson allows the focus and pacing of the film to get away from him” (Tallerico, par. 3). Zendaya’s monologues and acting can also be depicted as intimidating. She commands respect and the undivided attention from the audience just with a sway of her shoulder or furrowed eyebrows.
John David Washington’s character gives insight to how abusive a relationship can be even if it is not physical abuse. Malcolm only puts his work first and focuses solely on his needs and wants. He even writes his movie about his girlfriend, does not thank her, and it seems as if Marie is being used for a good story. Although he may be self-absorbed, Malcolm also highlights journalists and their depiction of his movie. He mentions how the writer of the Los Angeles Times made his movie a “political film” and that she only came to this conclusion because he was a black director. This aspect of the movie felt like it was relevant to society now based upon how critics and journalists depict things in the media.
The film is significant because of how it captures a modern relationship and how twisted it can be. The film does a great job at capturing the emotions of both characters and gives the audience a glimpse into how one’s work can dip into, if not overcome, their personal life. The lack of gratefulness that Malcolm has for Marie only scraped the surface of the issue with their relationship. It is the utter lack of respect, and the fact that he is unafraid to show it, that makes this film as great as it is. It is the way Malcolm is so condescending to his partner and even so, they still continue to make up is what made me love this film. The back and forth of the film shows how love really works in real life. In many movies, one partner realizes that she deserves better and leaves. That is not the case for this movie. The breakup and makeup aspect may seem tiresome but I think that is the truth and rawness of this film.
On the other hand, this film mentions many experiences from the character’s past lives but does not give any true insight. “But despite the actors’ efforts, you won’t have learned much more about either of these people” (Collins, par. 8). It is frequently mentioned throughout the film how Marie was a covering addict but not much information is given about that tribulation in her life. During the scene where Marie is in the bathtub and Malcolm is berating her, he mentions how Marie is not the total inspiration for his movie and other relations he’s had with women in his life contributed to the making of his movie. It would have been compelling to see flashbacks of his time with these women or see Zendaya’s character struggle with her alcohol or substance abuse.
Malcolm & Marie is a film that is definitely worth the watch. I give this movie a four out of five stars. There are a few missing aspects from this film but as a whole it is ground-breaking and truly showcases the talent that is Zendaya. It is much different from her previous works in her younger years and is still more mature than her character from Euphoria. The featured monologues and stage presence of both characters are phenomenal. The troubled relationship of Malcolm and Marie along with their flaws and intelligent insults makes this movie the greatness it is.
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