Netflix at Its Best

Rating: 9/10 (20 January 2020)

Marriage Story is a realistic, grounded, heartbreaking, depressing movie; yet somehow you find joy in it. Most people at least know someone who's been divorced whether a friend, a brother/sister, or even theid own parents. When watching this film, it's almost like your feeling the pain of both spouses, what they're both going through, how they feel, and they're real humans. None of this could've been done without a great screenplay and acting. Baumbach's storytelling and directing carries a good chunk of the film, bringing the pacing and tone together. One thing that is phenomenal about this film is the opening, where Charlie and Nicole are describing each other in these long, expressive monologues; that alone is easily one of the best scenes of film in 2019. Both Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver give real performances; showing off the simple extent that an actor can take while acting yet pulling so much of the intellectual and emotional force. However, the musical score is a little obnoxious and doesn't fit the tone and Laura Dern's performance, while well acted, is kind of overhyped for what it is. But, if your looking to cry a little and learn something about the world... watch Marriage Story.