Marriage Story is about the escalation of a relationship when put to its limits in the legal system of divorce. It showcases both sides of the story and how the private becomes public, and a public weapon, so easily when other people (lawyers specifically) are doing the fighting for you. This film makes extraordinary out of the ordinary. Its style is reminiscent of past Best Picture nominee La La Land (with a few less musical numbers) in its tone, colour and score choices.
Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson have the chemistry to portray the complexities of a married couple and the realism of the dialogue really grounds them and the story. Laura Dern and Ray Liotta bring to life the complex legal system that people are faced with when they take the seemingly simple decision to not be together anymore. It really emphasises the narrative between parent and child and child and parent, whether they be positive things or negative gossip.
It mixes the light with the dark incredibly well and that is perhaps what makes the film so relatable. There’s a humour and an oddness to it that diverges just enough from the Hollywood perfectionism to more accurately portray a life with children. The editing style also contributes to this and enhances the witty writing and repartee between Driver and Johansson.
‘Marriage Story’ is available to stream on Netflix.
Pep Reviews 