Marriage Story is a good movie. Beautifully written, well acted by everyone, including Ray Liotta, Laura Dern and young Azhy Robertson.

Directed by Noah Baumbach of Greenberg (2010) and Frances Ha (2012); Marriage Story is a film I wanted to see because of its director’s previous works. I’m also a big fan of the lead actors (Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver). I loved the very well-edited trailer, and I wanted to see what Baumbach’s film had to say about this thing called marriage. Particularly, the very type that ends in divorce.

Categorised as a comedy/drama, you’ll indeed smile and laugh, but certainly not as much as you’ll be moved almost to tears, if not actual streaming tears. This film explores the classic challenges faced in many modern relationships. Especially, the kind that can arise where both parties are ambitious, and with clear ideas of what they want for their life and career. It’s also a story that features the one thing that’s always there as one of the key reasons for the breakdown of all relationships: ‘ineffective communication’. 

I’m glad to confirm that the things I liked most about the trailer for Marriage Story are the very things that stood out beautifully in the finished film. Great writing and dialogue, editing so well-executed that I personally didn’t need a second to question any of Baumbach’s creative decisions; they all made sense to me since everything felt rooted in a level of unquestionable realism that resonated.

As you watch Baumbach’s film, almost throughout, you’ll find yourself smiling, then sad within seconds or minutes. Yet it’s unlikely you’ll be mad that you decided to watch at all.

Other things that stood out about Marriage Story… I love the humour, perfectly choreographed scenes and the film’s general rhythm. There’s also the heartbreaking yet fun-to-watch courtroom drama antics, the last big argument and Driver’s character’s singing at the very end. That scene was just perfect. 

Definitely watch it because it’s very good, truly.

Happy Film Loving,

G