Now streaming on Netflix, the movie stars Zendaya and John David Washington as a couple on the verge of a breakup.
'Malcolm & Marie' Is the Most Emotionally Exhausting Movie You'll Ever Watch—But Worth It
I was 25 when I met my ex-boyfriend. We locked eyes at a swanky lounge in Hell’s Kitchen, roughly a month before I made a permanent move to the New York City area. On paper, we fit. Both HBCU grads, both members of the Divine Nine, both interested in the arts—Broadway plays, Alvin Ailey performances. Both travelers. And while those things bonded us in the beginning, they weren’t enough to sustain us for the long haul. After the initial excitement of “fitting” faded away, in came the exhausting fights.
Watching Netflix’s Malcolm & Marie took me back to that place nearly a decade ago when naps would follow disagreements and coming to any sort of resolve entailed a marathon of texts and at least two glasses of wine. The movie, now streaming and directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, should really come with a trigger warning. At its core, it’s as much a film about a toxic relationship as it is a middle finger to the critics of creative expression. But beyond the obvious is a motif that lies below the surface of so many arguments between couples: a lack of appreciation and the need for reciprocity.
The pandemic-produced work begins as Marie (Zendaya) and Malcolm (John David Washington) return from the screening of his new movie. For a brief moment, we revel in the excitement of the burgeoning writer/director who appears to have had a successful showing. But within moments we realize his partner, though complementary and supportive of his success, doesn’t give off the same elation as her rambling beau.
For a subsequent two hours, viewers ride on a rollercoaster of highs and lows piecing together why that is and digging deeper into the flaws of a strikingly attractive couple whose skeletons are unearthed frame by frame. We find out that Marie is a former addict with a desire to act. And Malcolm, a Brooklyn director from a semi-privileged background, has seen his hopes for Hollywood often fall short. In the words of Rihanna, they found love in a hopeless place; years later, the hopelessness of their relationship is starting to show through.
Malcolm helped Marie out of a dark period, but her contribution to the relationship does not go unnoticed. In addition to being his sounding board, his support, and at times his muse, she gives him the motivation he needs to keep pushing. Through sometimes unhinged squabbling between the troubled twosome, we see that Marie, though at times frustrating, is emotionally wrecked from Malcolm’s lack of appreciation. He’s riding a high. She’s dwelling in an inflicted low. And finding common ground after their tornado of emotions feels nearly impossible.
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Watching the two bicker on-screen felt like a music video for Lauryn Hill’s "Ex-Factor" coming to life. The passion that Washington and Zendaya bring to their lines, and the valid arguments they each land have you vacillating between the two sides. Marie is sensitive, childish, and unrelenting. Malcolm is self-absorbed, overly harsh, and at times hard to please. In a toxic game of tug of war, they stand on opposite sides of the rope, each hoping the other will be pulled far enough to their side of the division line that they can settle their differences.
It’s hard to tell if either one is successful in that goal. While Marie seeks a heartfelt thank you for her role in Malcolm’s success, Malcolm seeks validation from her and the outside world. There’s a good chance their quarrel goes beyond the confines of their relationship. But what’s for sure is there is no true victor in their ongoing feud. Most viewers won’t have to look much farther than their own love life to know how it works out. Still, it’s entertaining watching them both try to walk away with the win.
Malcolm & Marie is now streaming on Netflix.
Tanya Christian is a writer and editor based in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @tanyaachristian.
This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Tanya Christian
