Non-Spoiler Review
Malcolm & Marie starring Zendaya (Marie) and John David Washington (Malcolm), are toxic at its finest, unexpectedly good. Knowing this project is created with a Kodak Lens, producing a classic black and white production reminiscent of the olden days, made me appreciate not watching this story in color. I was zoned into focusing on the dynamic between these two characters, and this is a genius aspect of the film I adore.
One would think that a film focused on one couple throughout its entirety in a setting that is familiar to us all during a pandemic would be boring, but it somehow works effortlessly. I became emotionally invested in this toxic, fragile, and comical relationship as the couple’s rollercoaster takes you to new highs and lows yet dips off into stopping points to make you ponder the existence of each character as a human being.
Three other shining stars in the film that shall remain faceless unless we create them in our imagination’s pigment are the white girl from the LA Times, Kiki from St. Louis, and the infamous Mac & Cheese. Malcolm ate that Mac & Cheese like it was a full-course dinner. This scene is hilarious to me.
I also couldn’t let go of my familiarity of hearing actor John David Washington (Malcolm) as he stood in the hallway outside the bedroom door and thinking to myself, “He sounds just like his father!” If you are unaware, John David Washington is the son of legendary Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington. Denzel’s DNA is boiling through the passionate scenes of anger and anguish as Malcolm lets out his frustration with love, life, and work.
And give Zendaya her flowers now! Homegirl did her thing and sucked me into her, “I don’t wanna let this argument go,” twisted world. My eyes flowed more to her scenes as her authenticity became seamlessly real in a fictional film. The scene in which Marie is holding the knife had me clapping after that brief monologue. YAAASSS Marie; epic.
Some films desire your full attention and concentration; otherwise, you’ll miss some poignant moments. Malcolm & Marie sits comfortably under this category because the dialogue is so intense that you can’t miss a beat. The quiet scenes and music create an ambiance that is intricate and noticeable too. If you’re looking for a not so lovey-dovey film that highlights the ugliness of relationships when you love someone that is high-strung and mentally unstable, but you can’t let them go, this film is for you.
MALCOLM & MARIE IS AVAILABLE NOW FEBRUARY 5TH GLOBALLY ON NETFLIX.
ABOUT THE FILM:
Sam Levinson teams up with Zendaya and John David Washington for an achingly romantic drama in which a filmmaker (John David Washington) and his girlfriend (Zendaya) return home following a celebratory movie premiere as he awaits what’s sure to be imminent critical and financial success. The evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love.
MALCOLM & MARIE (L-R): JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON as MALCOLM, ZENDAYA as MARIE. DOMINIC MILLER/NETFLIX © 2021
And now for some genuine authenticity (a word brought forth in the film) as I stand digitally on my typewritten soapbox…
As a Black woman founder of an entertainment media outlet, it’s excruciatingly frustrating when the LA Times’ white girl is treated with more respect for her opinion when analyzing films or doing celebrating interviews. Often at times, the advice given to Black men and women that is continuously on rewind is, “Walk into the room as if you’re the average white guy with lesser skills and talent,” so that we may feel adequate for the opportunities we’re given. But my passion for being a Black woman who chooses to create her own table, so that no one can tell me what’s on the menu without my approval motivates me to no end.
