Malcolm & Marie

Malcolm & Marie is a powerful American drama released in 2021, directed and written by Sam Levinson. Starring two incredibly talented actors of the modern era - John David Washington and Zendaya. This black-and-white feature film was produced entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, under careful safety measures.

The film is an intimate and intense exploration of a relationship, centering on a single night in the life of a director named Malcolm (played by John David Washington), and his girlfriend, Marie (played by Zendaya). Washington, who’s spellbound the audiences with his work in 'Tenet' and 'BlacKkKlansman', plays the role of a fervid and passionate filmmaker who has just returned home from the premiere of his latest movie. Zendaya, an actress known for her captivating performances in the television series 'Euphoria' and in the 'Spider-Man' movie franchise, portrays the character of Marie with an intriguing mix of tenderness and toughness.

Malcolm, filled with self-satisfaction and enthusiasm after the perceived success of his premiere, eagerly anticipates the critics' reviews. All the while, Marie, a former actress, stands by him, but can't shake off certain reservations. Levinson doesn't waste time getting to the major chord of conflict. Any celebration becomes overshadowed by an escalating tension, as feelings of resentment and past grievances rise to the surface. The stylized black-and-white cinematography captures the depth and shadows of their escalating fight, making it visually stunning and emotionally electrifying.

The entire film is set inside and around their modernist, luxurious home, which serves as the arena for their emotional bouts. The film's focus is not on the plot but on its characters, their interaction and range of emotions. It constantly changes from a love story to a boxing match and back. Both actors engage in lengthy monologues, emotionally charged arguments, and tender moments of vulnerability, effectively utilizing the wide scope of their acting skills. With only two characters, the narrative is largely driven by dialogue, allowing Malcolm and Marie to explore their relationship, their individual identities, aspirations, disappointments, love, and the power dynamic between them.

As Malcolm eagerly evaluates his past, his creativity, his relationship with critics, he simultaneously unravels his and Marie's relationship. He lives in the fear that his work may not be authentically black enough, or too black, or leaning too heavily on inspiration from past filmmakers. On the other hand, Marie grapples with her own unfulfilled film career and feelings of neglect, being in the shadows of her partner's burgeoning fame.

Malcolm & Marie is a deeply personal, emotionally charged film. It's an intimate examination of a complex and fraught relationship with an undercurrent of social commentary. The film takes an unflinching look at the struggles of creative individuals, their relationship with their art, and how it often intertwines with their personal lives. This movie more closely examines the cracks and flaws of the creators and their creation, leading to an intimate portrayal of a volatile, passionate relationship.

The original music by Labrinth helps to punctuate the rollercoaster of emotions, underscoring key moments with effective impact, while cinematographer Marcell Rév uses the black-and-white format effectively to make each frame stand out, amplifying the drama and tension that bubbles in every scene.

Malcolm & Marie is an auteur-driven, performance-centric film — an intense, raw, and evocative drama, where love and hate torque, twist, and eventually bind itself into a unique cinematic package. It's not just well-crafted, but it's thought-provoking, creating a space for the viewer to evaluate their own relationships.

Despite being a two-character drama, the film delivers a broad exploration of relationships, creativity, and criticism, performing like a stage play on the screen. If you're someone who enjoys slow-burning dramas filled with intense performances, laboured dialogues, and raw emotions, then Malcolm & Marie is a must-watch. The splendid performances by the actors, in combination with stimulating dialogue and an intimate setting, make for an exhilarating watch. In the landscape of relational dramas, Malcolm & Marie is a standout movie, one that leaves a lot to think about.