Malcolm & Marie Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A director forgets to thank his girlfriend, and they spend the entire night yelling at each other in a fancy house, proving that love is mostly just screaming.

🍿 Malcolm & Marie: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Post-Premiere Tension

Malcolm, a writer-director, and Marie, his girlfriend, arrive home after the premiere of his latest film. The atmosphere is initially celebratory, but quickly turns sour when Marie reveals she’s upset Malcolm didn’t thank her in his speech. This sets off a night of intense arguments and emotional revelations.

Inspiration and Omission

Marie believes Malcolm’s film, about a black female drug addict named Imani, is heavily based on her own past struggles with addiction. She feels slighted by his lack of acknowledgment, claiming he couldn’t have authentically portrayed Imani’s pain without her influence. Malcolm dismisses this, arguing Imani is a composite character.

Criticism and Authenticity

Malcolm reads a positive review of his film, but becomes enraged by the white female critic’s interpretation, feeling she’s projecting political agendas onto his work. Marie mocks his reaction and his inability to accept criticism. Later, the discussion shifts to why Marie wasn’t cast as Imani, leading to further accusations and emotional displays, including Marie’s unsettling portrayal of a drug addict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Malcolm (John David Washington): A self-absorbed filmmaker whose relationship is tested after forgetting to thank his girlfriend at his movie premiere.
• Marie (Zendaya): Malcolm’s girlfriend and former actress who confronts him about his oversight and questions their relationship’s dynamics.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Marie: “You didn’t thank me, Malcolm.” – Marie expresses her initial grievance that Malcolm failed to acknowledge her in his film premiere speech, triggering the night’s conflict.
• Malcolm: “It’s not an amalgamation. It’s you.” – Malcolm argues with Marie about the extent to which the character in his film is based on her personal experiences.
• Marie: “Why didn’t you cast me, Malcolm?” – Marie questions Malcolm’s decision not to cast her in the lead role of his film, highlighting her belief that she could have brought authenticity to the character.
• Malcolm: “You think that because you scream and yell and use the word ‘fuck’ a lot that you’re saying something?” – Malcolm mocks Marie’s approach to conveying emotions, criticizing what he perceives as a superficial performance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.5M
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Malcolm & Marie Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Malcolm & Marie’ is a wild ride. I was hooked from the start, but I definitely felt like I was eavesdropping on a private fight. Zendaya and John David Washington are incredible – the knife scene? Chills! It got a bit repetitive, but honestly, it felt so real, like watching a couple you know just completely lose it. It really made me think about relationships and how easily things can fall apart. The black and white cinematography made it feel so intimate and raw. Overall, it’s a movie that will definitely stick with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of relationship dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in films about filmmaking”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances and dialogue-driven narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Emotional abuse”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Levinson’s black-and-white drama is a showcase for Washington and Zendaya, their chemistry electric, but the script occasionally veers into self-indulgence. Still, the raw emotional intensity is undeniably captivating.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A visually stunning film with powerhouse performances, but the repetitiveness of the arguments and the lack of a clear resolution leaves a somewhat hollow feeling. The themes are interesting, but the execution falters.
• IndieWire: “Malcolm & Marie is a raw and unflinching look at a relationship’s breaking point. Zendaya and Washington deliver career-defining performances, elevating the film beyond its occasionally theatrical dialogue.

Audience Reactions

Zendaya’s raw and emotional performance blew me away.: The acting is phenomenal, especially Zendaya and John David Washington, who bring incredible intensity to their roles.

The black and white cinematography created a unique and intimate atmosphere.: Visually stunning, with a beautiful black and white aesthetic that enhances the film’s intimacy.

Overall Consensus: Malcolm & Marie is a divisive but captivating drama, praised for its powerful performances and striking visuals, but criticized for its repetitive arguments and perceived pretentiousness. It’s a film that sparks conversation and elicits strong reactions.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Malcolm & Marie was one of the first films to be written, directed, and completed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.”
• “Zendaya did her own makeup, costume design, and set dressing for the film due to pandemic restrictions.”
• “The film was shot entirely in black and white to enhance the raw and intimate feel of the story.”
• “Sam Levinson, the writer and director, was partly inspired by an incident where he forgot to thank his wife during a speech at a film festival.”

🖥️ How to Watch Malcolm & Marie?

Malcolm & Marie is a Netflix original film, making it exclusively available to stream on Netflix with a subscription. Unfortunately, it is not currently available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies. Check your local Netflix availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Malcolm & Marie, you might like these similar films:

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): Features intense, emotionally charged dialogue between a couple over the course of a single night, exploring themes of love, resentment, and the illusions within a marriage.
• Marriage Story (2019): A modern exploration of a relationship breakdown, capturing the rawness and complexity of emotions involved in a dissolving marriage.
• Revolutionary Road (2008): Explores the disillusionment and suffocating realities within a marriage, highlighting unfulfilled dreams and the emotional toll of societal expectations.
• Before Midnight (2013): Continues the exploration of a long-term relationship, showcasing the challenges, frustrations, and enduring love between two individuals as they navigate their life together.

🛒 Malcolm & Marie Related Products

• Malcolm & Marie (Blu-ray): Own Malcolm & Marie on Blu-ray for a high-definition viewing experience. The black and white cinematography looks incredible, and the sound mix makes the arguments feel all too real. A must-have for film collectors.
• The Criterion Collection: ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’: Delve into the inspiration behind ‘Malcolm & Marie’ with Mike Nichols’ masterpiece, ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ Available as a digital rental from Amazon, explore this landmark film’s themes of marital discord and intellectual sparring. Includes bonus materials and essays for a deeper understanding of the film’s impact and legacy.
• Zendaya Poster: Showcase your love for Zendaya with a high-quality poster. Featuring the talented actress in a stunning portrait, this poster is a stylish addition to any fan’s collection.
• Relationship Therapy: A Self-Help Guide: Inspired by the intense relationship dynamics of ‘Malcolm & Marie,’ this self-help guide provides practical advice and exercises for couples looking to improve communication and navigate conflict. Learn effective strategies for building a stronger, healthier relationship.

🎧 Soundtrack

Malcolm & Marie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Down and Out in New York City” – performed by James Brown
• “Liberation” – performed by Outkast

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Relationship Expert Breaks Down the Arguments in Malcolm & Marie | Netflix

Ever wonder what makes Malcolm and Marie’s relationship so volatile? A relationship expert breaks down their arguments, revealing some seriously toxic patterns. Honestly, it’s pretty eye-opening!

Malcolm & Marie Is a Hot Mess

Thinking about watching Malcolm & Marie, but want to hear an honest opinion first? This review pulls no punches, highlighting both the good and the seriously questionable. He provides a well-reasoned opinion on the film!

Zendaya talks about her new film, ‘Malcolm & Marie’ l GMA

Want to hear directly from Zendaya about her role in Malcolm & Marie? She sits down with Good Morning America to discuss her inspirations and the unique experience of filming in black and white. I personally think her perspective is pretty fascinating!

Zendaya: How Malcolm & Marie Helped Her Break Free | Netflix

Ever wonder how much input actors have on a film? Zendaya shares how Malcolm & Marie gave her newfound creative freedom. It is so insightful!

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