Flawless depiction of family violence

Rating: 10/10 (2 January 2020)

This is most definitely movie of the year!!
The acting from Adam Driver and Scarlet Johansson is impeccable. As much as I love Scarlet as a versatile actor, I could not help but despise her character. Woman who has it all - a husband who cooks, cleans, is a wonderful father and is able to provide for the family financially. Most importantly, a husband who shows restraint at his wife's wild behaviour and not for one moment falls to her level. And yet, she tears him apart financially, physically and emotionally all in the name of self entitlement.
Lawyers are the only winners in this movie, but yet it shows why amicable separation is absolutely essential for a peaceful breakup with flawless direction, amazing script and phenomenal acting performances throughout.
Relocation of children is one of the most difficult personal and legal battles the left behind parent can face, and Nicole in this movie made it an impossible task for Charlie to be a father without turning his life upside down. Why? For control. Charlie foresaw it all, but it was inevitable because of Nicole's behaviour, or to give her the benefit of the doubt, ignorance.
The best aspects about this movie is that it keeps the viewer engaged all throughout, the acting is utterly superb, and it keeps you hoping for a happy ending to Charlie's extreme struggles as a father, but as the movie ends we learn that Charlie is yet again a victim of Nicole's controlling behaviour but he is willing to compromise for the happiness of the child. It is an absolute emotional rollercoaster. It is a devastating watch for a father, mainly because it is such a real and raw depiction of marriage, separation, divorce and the business of lawyers and courts.
It is without question a 10/10 for its flawless direction, acting and ability to keep attention thanks for a script which brings meaning to every word spoken. I would be very surprised if this doesn't take home at least some Oscars, but most of all I think Adam Driver's transformation from happy to sad, from calm to stressed, is an unfortunate joy to watch on screen.