Marriage Story: Review








It may not have been the ideal  movie to watch on your wedding anniversary. Yet the rave reviews compelled me to do so. 

Marriage story is about a stage director Charlie and his actor wife Nicole who are at the brink of a divorce. Seeing a therapist doesn't help matters and Nicole immediately moves to Los Angeles to live with her mother. She takes their son Henry with her while Charlie stays back in New York. Despite deciding on an amicable split, Nicole hires a lawyer named Nora. She reveals her entire story to Nora and describes how she felt neglected with Charlie and suspects his fidelity. She also states her loss of importance and identity and how she wanted to be more than just a wife or a mother. In the meantime Charlie is forced to engage a lawyer to ensure that he doesn't lose the custody of his son.  It spirals into a few dramatic events before the couple get closure. 

Marriage story is an engaging drama that explores the complexities of relationships. The showdown between Charlie and Nicole can spark off a debate about the battle of sexes. No doubt opinions are bound to vary here. Nicole's character played by Scarlett Johansson evokes empathy especially in the scene with Nora played by Laura Dern. Many parts of the film showcase the respect Charlie and Nicole have for one another. It can be debated if Nicole was taking a rash decision about the divorce especially since Charlie was reluctant about the entire thing. 

I suppose the lack of respect and not being understand made the woman miserable. Miserable enough  to walk away from the relationship. Another movie that I had watched over the weekend dealt with similar premises. Thappad showcased the story of a woman seeking divorce after being slapped by her husband in an office party. That's another discussion altogether. 

One thing about Marriage story is its realistic theme, its stellar performances and great direction. It made me ponder about relationship dynamics, the characters involved and the whole equation in a marriage. This emotional drama also reminded me of a short story by Jhumpa Lahiri that I had recently read as a part of my course study. It is called A Temporary Matter and a part of her short story collection titled 'Interpreter of Maladies'.  It was equally heartbreaking and emotional. 

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