Film Review | Marriage Story

Marriage Story is directed by Noah Baumbach and stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver.

Drama. Released 2019.

Marriage Story follows stage director Charlie (Adam Driver) and actress Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) as they go through their divorce while trying to take care of their child and uphold their family.

Marriage Story was one of those films that, at the start of the year, the 'Untitled Noah Baumbach Project' starring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver and Laura Dern may or may not have been a potential awards contender, but there was simply not enough information to consider it. Then, all at once, the title was released just as the Venice lineup was released just as the teaser trailers were released, and hot off the heels of its Venice Premiere, it sky-rocketed to the top of everyone's Awards prediction lists, opening to rave reviews for every single element of the film.

And this is so well deserved. Marriage Story is one of 2019's greatest cinematic achievements. It is absolutely stunning. After three viewings, it has become even more powerful every time. Noah Baumbach is someone that - I am ashamed to say - I am unfamiliar with, in regard to the rest of his work, but I know that he is an exemplary figure in the mumblecore genre and is a master at naturalistic writing and story-telling. And - even though I haven't seen his other work - I can't imagine there is a better testament to this than Marriage Story. This is, without a doubt, the most well-written script of the year would be utterly shocked if it went without recognition. There are several pitch-perfect monologues, very natural dialogue, and a 10-minute sequence that builds towards an absolutely devastating, explosive argument...

...Which is brought to life so masterfully by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, and it can certainly be argued that both of these performances are the greatest of the year (Joaquin, I haven't forgotten you), and are both a major part of their awards races. Scarlett Johansson may become a leading contender with Renée Zellweger's Judy hype drowning out as we speak, and deservedly so. This is easily the greatest performance she's ever put to screen. The monologue she performs about half an hour into the film in front of Laura Dern's Nora in the lawyer's office is very powerful, especially due to the fact it's shot in one long take; we see her feel joy, and we see her feel pain, all whilst sat on a sofa, reliving all the memories she describes, and I believe her for the entire time. This applies to the entirety of the film. I also want to take a moment to step back and appreciate the incredible year this has been for Scarlett Johansson: Avengers: Endgame, now the biggest film of all time, and Jojo Rabbit, for which her supporting performance has gained a surprising amount of awards momentum alongside this Marriage Story performance, for which she will be nominated - and really could win - without a shadow of a doubt. I really hope she doesn't slow down because she is on a very impressive winning streak; let's hope this continues with Black Widow. 

Adam Driver is also having quite a year, thanks to Amazon's The Report and, of course, The Rise Of Skywalker to accompany this jaw-dropping performance in Marriage Story. Much like Johansson, it seems like he is running a two-horse race with Joaquin Phoenix for that golden statue, and I really wouldn't mind either which is a testament to just how good he really is. And yes, he really is that good. The performance is visceral and feels like there's nothing he is trying to repress; it is all there on the screen, and I may not ever stop talking about that argument scene. I think it is one for the ages, and that is where Driver is in his absolute prime, so consumed by the rage of this character. It is truly amazing to behold.

Naturally, due to the subject matter, there are many comparisons to the 1979 classic, Kramer Vs Kramer, which as you may see on the sidebar, is one of my very favourite films of all time. I feel it is exceptionally written, devastatingly real and an absolute masterclass in naturalistic acting... key features which also apply to Marriage Story 40 years on. It fills me with joy to say that it absolutely is deserving of the association because it is right on par. There is no higher praise.

A+

OSCAR PREDICTIONS

- Best Picture

- Best Screenplay

- Best Leading Actor

- Best Leading Actress

- Best Supporting Actress

- Best Editing

- Best Score

- (maybe) Best Cinematography