Marriage Story on Netflix Review: As Real As It Gets!

Marriage Story on Netflix starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson in the lead roles is a classic example of a well-put-together drama and further affirms the fact that you can create magic on-screen when you let the scenes play, and the characters speak. Noah Baumbach, who is well-known for directing critically-acclaimed films like Frances Ha and While We’re Young in recent years, hits it out-of-the-park with Marriage Story as it easily one of the Best Hollywood Movies of 2019.

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The narrative of Marriage Story kicks off with Charlie (Drive) and Nicole (Johansson) trying to rescue their sinking marriage situation. However, the counseling sessions and discrepancy on multiple things do not offer any help, and Nicole files for divorce in a flash. The remainder of the film explores the couple’s journey inside and out as they try to overcome this significant phase of their lives, which they’re unaccustomed to.

Marriage Story can best be described as watching a play or a narrative unfold right in front of your eyes. The story, relatability factor, and the true-to-life vibe hit too close to home. And Noah Baumbach had done an impeccable job in keeping his characters grounded and genuine through and through. The long, protracted scenes filled with brilliantly written dialogue where the characters talk, argue and verbally abuse each other transpired wonderfully on-screen. And it genuinely felt like I’m watching a real-life couple having a conversation and a marriage crumble right in front of my eyes.

The very minimal-yet-euphonious background score by Randy Newman also didn’t disrupt the narrative ever at all. Yet another critical attribute that also helped this movie shine is the significance of showcasing the character’s emotions. The reason why there’s a fallout in their marriage, the different rationales why they can’t seem to find common ground or understand each other’s feelings was well explained and justified the decision of breaking up. Also, the immaculately written screenplay and the pacing complimented the storyline, without wasting much time at unnecessary points and promptly transitioned into the next scene.

Moving on, the last thing that I want to discuss about Marriage Story is the acting and the entire cast bringing their A-game when it’s required. And the lead actors (Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson) might as well deserve an Oscar nomination for their remarkable performances. Driver plays this busy New York City theatre owner/director who is stuck in this colorless loop juggling between work and family. As an actor who has a ton of range, Driver splendidly portrayed his character in a wide variety of sequences with emotions ranging from frustration, anger, panic, and disappointment.

Scarlett Johansson is arguably the show-stealer of the movie as her character is more flushed and relatable compared to everyone else. She plays an ambitious actress, a caring mom and a discontented wife who expects more freedom and independence in her everyday life. From the very first scene till the very end, Johansson masterfully played her part as her eyes, and the entire body language transformed adjusting to the theme of the narrative. Laura Dern and Ray Liotta shine bright in their respective roles as the attornies representing the couple and never disappointed even in a single frame.

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Overall, one of the many things Marriage Story on Netflix succeeded in doing is making me believe that the drama is unraveling right in front of my eyes. The storyline, narration, execution, dialogue, and the wondrous performances make this a flawless film with very little to zero negative traits. A home run by Netflix, and also one of the best dramas I’ve seen in recent years that takes the subject and its characters seriously. Watch ‘Marriage Story’ on Netflix here.

Rating – 4/5 | Grade – A