Not a fun watch. At all.

Rating: 5/10 (1 February 2020)

Despite the constant barrage of films that are meant to excite, bewilder and entertain, there will always be an appetite for those that feel gritty, real and make you use your brain. This is the case with 2019's Netflix drama 'Marriage Story.'
In typical Noah Baumbach fashion, there's a lot to unpack here. 'Marriage' looks at the unraveling relationship between two middle class Hollywood types (Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver) and how they deal with raising a son during a divorce. Unfortunately, this strikes very close to home for many, which is partly why it has found an audience. Unlike the personal dynamics at play here, the plot is relatively straightforward. Just like the flight path between New York and LA (and back) - a typical one for this industry - we alternate back-and-forth like a ping pong match, with Johansson and Driver trading barbs and trying to one up each other around every corner.
The real intention of 'Marriage' is to show off the acting capabilities of our leading and supporting cast. While Driver surprises, ScarJo comes off as forced and one-dimensional; the role of Nicole was written for someone who has much better range. And while Laura Dern dazzles as established divorce attorney Nora Fanshaw, she could be accused of rehashing her portrayal of the similarly cutthroat Renata Klein.
'Marriage Story' is a long, downward spiral that may make you think, but it also leaves you feeling pretty depressed. Some argue that it's an amazing team performance that should be celebrated, but it's just not a fun watch. At all.