Dog’s Movie House: “Malcom & Marie” Two Person Verbal Sparring Match!

The story is not complex at all. After the aforementioned premiere, Malcom (Washington) is on a high, feeling he’s finally made it. His girlfriend and Muse Marie (Zendaya) is less than euphoric over the evening and it doesn’t take long to figure out why: Malcom forgot to thank her at the premiere, all the while thanking damn near everyone else. This brings out a whole bunch of past transgressions, recriminations, and failed ambitions set against two people who have been holding these emotions inside for a very long time.

How much you like “Malcom & Marie” depends on your tolerance for dialog. . .lots and lots of dialog. Sam Levinson’s script is almost too polished as at times you wonder whether real people can actually articulate their anger and passion in such an eloquent manner. Levinson’s direction involves mostly the two main characters moving from room to room, the brief silences providing a brief respite from the next diatribe.

That said, both leads in “Malcom & Marie” are outstanding, with Zendaya giving one of the most remarkably performances of the new year so far. She’s electric, furious, and vulnerable, sometimes at the same time. She also spends most of her time in a various states of undress, but it’s more vulnerable than sexually enticing.

“Malcom & Marie ends on a somewhat ambiguous note, but that makes sense given that the problems these two have are unlikely to be solved during the course of a single night. Let’s face it: it’s the discussion and not the resolution of said problems that provides the tension in the movie and that makes for stirring drama indeed. While not for anyone, fans of smart dialogue and emotional performances should find a lot to enjoy in “Malcom & Marie.” 4 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

“Malcom & Marie” is currently streaming on Netflx.

Pages: 1 2