Movie Title: Marriage Story
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, Merritt Wever, Azhy Robertson
Review: A stage director (Adam Driver) and his actor wife (Scarlett Johansson) struggle through a grueling, coast-to-coast divorce that pushes them to their personal and creative extremes.
Marriage Story is a an extremely well-written and well-acted account of a couple's heartbreaking divorce. Beyond the impeccable writing and acting, this film's greatest strength is it's ability to highlight the most intricate, and minute details of divorce that have extensive repercussions. There is a sense of authenticity to this film that makes it uncomfortable, yet satisfying in so many ways. Seeing two people's loving relationship slowly deteriorate into a shell of itself is gut-wrenching, even as they can never fully sever the ties that bind them due to their son. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson turn in fantastic performances, displaying a wide range of emotions. The film begins with both characters explaining what they love about the other; the things that ultimately led to their relationship in the first place. This is followed by a roller-coaster of emotions ranging from sadness, hope, anger, and everything in between. The payoff is a remarkably well-made movie that deserves the many accolades it has received, and a satisfying ending to illustrate the reality of two people suffering through a divorce, but making the best of a bad situation for the sake of their child. I highly recommend this film despite the fact that it is a highly emotional film that isn't always easy to watch.
Fun Fact: Based in large part on Noah Baumbach's own experiences when he divorced Jennifer Jason Leigh in 2013. According to Baumbach, Leigh read the script, has seen the film, and likes it.