Malcolm & Marie Review: Lacks Better Writing!

Malcolm & Marie, written and directed by Sam Levinson, brings together Zendaya and John David Washington in a tense two-hander drama. The film follows a director and his girlfriend as their relationship unravels over the course of one long night, beginning right after his movie premiere while they wait for critics’ reactions to roll in. Interestingly, this project has been in conversation for quite some time, but what makes it stand out is that it’s recognized as the first film to be written, produced, shot, and released entirely in the post-pandemic era.

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That combination alone sounds like a winning formula, doesn’t it? Two rising stars paired with the creator of HBO’s Euphoria felt like the perfect recipe for a moody, dysfunctional love story. So why the mixed reception? Why does the film seem to divide viewers so sharply? Some argue it’s because Malcolm & Marie leans too heavily into pretentiousness, its lofty ambitions making it feel distant from the average audience. Others feel it cuts too deep with its exploration of toxic relationships, striking a nerve that’s uncomfortably familiar.

And then there’s the way it directly attacks film criticism itself—the very thing we’re doing now—which certainly doesn’t make it an easy watch. Personally, I think it’s a bit of all three. Yet, despite those very real flaws, I couldn’t help but see it as something raw and unfiltered, a piece of cinema that’s bold enough to wear its messiness on its sleeve. It may not be perfect, but it’s undeniably remarkable that a film like this was even made, especially under such unique circumstances.

When it comes to Sam Levinson, I’ve always found his work a bit uneven. I was a huge fan of Euphoria, but Assassination Nation didn’t land for me, so it feels fitting that Malcolm & Marie sits somewhere in the middle. On a visual level, the film is stunning. I know black-and-white has been used a lot lately, but I can’t help being drawn to it—it gives the movie both a timeless elegance and a contemporary edge. The cinematography is striking throughout, and paired with the performances, it’s easy to see why this film grabbed so much attention. Zendaya and John David Washington are truly magnetic here, arguably delivering the strongest performances of their careers.

Where the film falters, though, is in its writing and character work. The themes themselves are compelling—love, art, ego, and criticism—but the execution often feels overblown. The endless monologues and heated exchanges reveal how toxic and flawed these two characters are, yet the rhythm of their arguments comes across as repetitive rather than natural. Instead of building tension in a way that wears the audience down alongside the characters, the film cycles through insult, reconciliation, and another blow-up without much progression. Over nearly two hours, it becomes draining to watch, no matter how strong the acting is.

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Beneath its striking visuals and strong performances, Malcolm & Marie quickly loses its grip. The endless cycle of arguments grows repetitive, the dialogue strains for depth, and its commentary on art and criticism feels shallow. What starts as an intimate drama ends up feeling more like an overindulgent exercise than a meaningful story.

‘Malcolm & Marie’ Rating – 2.5/5