A heart-wrenching future classic: Review of Netflix’s film “Malcolm and Marie”

BY NINA RAMIREZ

“Malcolm and Marie,” an utter masterpiece, joined the bountiful list of Netflix original films on February 5, 2021. The film is directed by the brilliant Sam Levinson, who also worked on the insanely popular series “Euphoria.”

Beginning with the sole introduction, this work of art will make audience members feel like they’re traveling back to the 50s with the way the credits are set and the overall aesthetic is throughout the entire film. In fact, Levinson made the creative decision to film this movie in black and white, allowing the depth of the characters to speak for itself. The viewers then follow the couple throughout the wide and gorgeous home as they return from the movie premiere of Malcolm (John David Washington), as he is a filmmaker and based his story on girlfriend. 

Due to Malcolm’s success, he and his lover, Marie (Zendaya), keep each other company in a house with dozens of rooms and windows that look out towards the breathtaking view of the woods. While the setting and circumstances Malcolm and Marie are in are great, the film draws a focus on the crumbling aspects of their relationship, including the realistic ups and downs.

While the setting and circumstances Malcolm and Marie are in are great, the film draws a focus on the crumbling aspects of their relationship, including the realistic ups and downs.

When it comes to the performance of actress Zendaya, it was nothing short of pure perfection. Her acting power is sure to engage the audience from start to finish and have them on the edge of their seats every minute of the film. Because of her spectacular ability to bring her character to life, her execution will leave all who watch feeling all the pain and sorrow that Marie experiences. 

Furthermore, actor John David Wasington and his performance deserves nothing but praise. He displayed a fantastic range of emotions in order to perfectly play his complex character, from his fascination with Marie to his extreme anger at her. Viewers will see the love he has for her flip into him yelling profanities when being confronted. While the couple go through painful arguments and release some harsh words at each other, the audience won’t help but feel utter shock at the raw emotions displayed.

The character development is immaculate in this cinematic prize. Even though the film is less than two hours, both characters gradually reveal details about their past lives that creates a clear image about their lives as a whole. For example, while Marie made some unfortunate decisions in the past, she displays regret on what she’s done and learned to gain self-love when describing how she wanted gratitude from Malcolm.

The character development is immaculate in this cinematic prize.

Malcolm, on the other hand, had some rough criticisms for Marie because of her past life but after hearing her words, showed that he’s taken her for granted and expressed his thanks to her. The emotional turmoil of it all will have audience members wanting more and begging to know what became of them in the end.

A raw display of the emotions endured in relationships, “Malcolm and Marie” is a masterpiece. 

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful