An Ode to Real Life

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2019)

From the jarring first scene to the hopeful finale, "Marriage Story" is a simple, honest, yet entertaining film about life as it is--it's the kind of film we need more of.
There's a lot that's done wonderfully about this movie, from the performances by the leads and the supporting cast (Laura Dern is an underappreciated star of the film), meaningful commentary on gender and relationships, and unromantic, realistic depictions of marriage and divorce. It is visually appealing and vintage feeling. It remains entertaining throughout despite the infinite mundanities of divorce law. It refuses to force the audience to pick a side in the divorce: both protagonists feel very realistic, complex, and the right mixture of good and bad. There is no winner or loser in the movie, no good and evil, just two people realizing they aren't right for each other.
That, I think, is the most poignant and powerful element of this film. There is no absolute right or wrong in the divorce, no clear antagonist other than human stupidity. Films often depict an unhealthy view of relationships and love; one where two people sort out their issues and then there are never problems again, one where a lasting marriage is the ultimate goal of life, one where every ended relationship is a devastating tragedy. "Marriage Story" says just the opposite. It depicts Nicole and Charlie's divorce not as a failure, but simply as a new chapter in their lives. Though they are incredibly sad and broken up about their marriage ending, it is not the end of their lives. Nicole and Charlie don't just matter when they're a couple; they each have unique and immeasurable merit on their own. They're both beautiful and flawed human beings like anyone else. They have not failed by splitting up, they have simply become more themselves. In an age where many biases and norms of the past are unraveling, "Marriage Story" is the encouragement that we need that the "truths" we've been taught by norms of the past do not have to apply to us. What matters most is that our lives are happy and meaningful.
For a film largely about divorce, "Marriage Story" is surprisingly sweet, funny, and optimistic, and ultimately very meaningful and impactful. One of my favorite films of the year to be sure, and one that I'll certainly return to in the future.