Directed by “Euphoria’s” Sam Levinson, “Malcolm & Marie” is a compelling drama set against a gorgeous black and white world. Both Zendaya and John David Washington deliver career-defining performances as a filmmaker and his girlfriend in this sensational two-hander.
Set within the walls of a contemporary home, “Malcolm & Marie” is about a filmmaker (John David Washington) and his girlfriend (Zendaya) who fall into a night of love and vexation after returning from Malcolm’s movie premiere. Malcolm realises something is wrong as Marie silently prepares some Mac and Cheese and warns him, “Nothing productive will be said tonight,” as Malcolm pushes her to tell him what’s bothering her. Marie comes clean, asking Malcolm why he didn’t thank her in his speech at the premiere. Malcolm claims her forgot, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the pair. Revelations about the couple’s relationship begin to surface and their love put to the test.
Zendaya and Washington both deliver the performance of their careers over the film’s 106 minutes. The chemistry between the two is outstanding and they appear incredibly connected to viewers, even while screaming across at each other. The 12-year age gap between Zendaya and Washington may concern some viewers, but they’ll see those 12 years cause no problems with them on-screen. The fact that there are only two cast members gives “Malcolm & Marie” a sense of containment and calm that pulls viewers even closer into their relationship, and what’s being said on-screen really stays with viewers.
Shot in black and white and on 35mm film, “Malcolm & Marie” is a film that completely captivates its viewers and makes them feel like they’re in the scene with this couple. The camera work throughout is stunning and adds to the sense of tranquillity the film gives off. Caterpillar House in Carmel, California is the perfect setting for “Malcolm & Marie;” it’s the modern, contemporary setting the film needed. Levinson reunites with British artist Labrinth to create a sensational score for the film. The pair had previously worked together on HBO’s “Euphoria,” which Zendaya starred in the leading role. As well as directing, Sam Levinson writes the script, which is a war of words with love and intimacy weaved throughout.
John David Washington and Zendaya in “Malcolm & Marie.” Photo: Dominic Miller/Netflix © Netflix 2021.
The film explores many emotionally heavy themes. It explores how love is shown between two people who are in a relationship with each other. The support and strength needed to be in a relationship with someone is also shown through the characters’ various monologues. The quote “It’s not until you’re about to lose someone that you finally pay attention” show how, when you’re with someone, you can actually start to take advantage of having them in your life. It’s one of the many things “Malcolm & Marie” tries to get across to its viewers: cherish the people you have in your life because one day they might not be there.
Malcolm makes the point that whenever a film has majority/entirely POC cast, it’s overlooked and simply seen as the director trying to make a political statement when it might not be. He expresses his annoyance of this when he recalls his conversation with a film critic, in which he states, “Just because the film doesn’t star anybody that looks like her doesn’t mean it’s political.” “Malcolm & Marie” isn’t just a cinematic masterpiece, it’s a film that explores various themes and ideas in such a simple way.
Beautifully shot, superbly acted, “Malcolm & Marie” is a great film for many reasons— whether it be the superb job Levinson does in the director’s chair, or the Oscar-worthy performances the cast gives. Viewers that enjoy a more active, high-octane film may find “Malcolm & Marie” isn’t a film for them, but fans of Levinson will see how the film resonates with some of his previous work, including the 2019 series “Euphoria.” So, if you’re a sucker for a domestic drama, this is definitely the film for you, but given the thousands of projects Netflix has to offer, don’t be disheartened if it isn’t.
*”Malcolm & Marie” is available to watch on Netflix via subscription.
