Malcolm & Marie

By: Alejandra Gil M

Beautiful cinematography, a soulful soundtrack and wonderful dialogue that goes to real places between these two characters throughout the movie, a director in the brink of success Malcolm (John David Washington) and his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya). That is the captivating film Malcolm & Marie. He’s largely a self-centered guy that makes everything about him, even the life story of Marie, and then refuses to give her credit for it. It is an engaging and necessary watch that shows us the true face of abuse and gaslighting some couples go through.

Malcolm & Marie starts with both of the characters arriving from a movie premiere, the first of his career. Malcolm is happy, drinking, dancing and singing to James Brown in a gorgeous Malibu house that the production company has provided for them. But he´s also ranting about some reviews of the movie, specifically about one from a white girl that works for the LA Times, which is mentioned several times to make a point. This sheds light on how artists sometimes can take criticism.

The film does not lack in powerful acting. Both of the protagonists support and carry the movie from start to finish. I must add that they are the only cast members of it as well. The movie truly belongs to Zendaya. It´s easy to imagine that she started eight years ago and has had a variety of roles since then, but this one feels different. She plays every part of the conversation beautifully and nails every line, even when she is pretending to act in a particular scene that turns out she was indeed just acting to show Malcolm that she can and that she would have been better as the lead of his movie.

Director Sam Levinson has been creating some very interesting movies and television. The way that he handles subjects like addiction, abuse and sexual identity is a delicate and responsible take every time and this film was no exception. It´s the crafting of the story that makes it effective and his bold on his choices which are also reflected.

However, Malcolm & Marie still leaves a bittersweet ending, with not much of a resolution between the characters relationship. Specifically, after the whole conversation they had, things are left way too open. But maybe that was the point. I would still recommend to watch it so you know what not to say to your partner in a relationship and learn to listen instead.