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The much talked about film, Malcolm & Marie, premiered on Netflix February 5th and I finally got a chance to check it out (uninterrupted).

To start, I’ll give you a quick rundown of what the film is actually about: A director, Malcolm, who is on the brink of success and his model/actor girlfriend, Marie, spiral through their flaws and past sins in a series of heated exchanges. The film opens with the two arriving home from Malcolm’s big premiere for his latest project which gives a harrowing look at a young drug addict. We later learn that the project mimics Marie’s own life from when she and Malcom first met while she was a 20-year-old drug addict.

To avoid spoiling too much, let’s get into my thoughts about the film.

I’ll first say that I was extremely excited to watch this film, as I am obsessed with any and all things related to drama or romance. I was immediately drawn into the onscreen chemistry (though one sided in the beginning) and the film’s soundtrack. The music provided a nice backdrop to the movie and flowed evenly between scenes. I also thought the acting was superb from both Marie (Zendaya) and Malcolm (John David Washington). We got to see Zendaya in a role where she actually gets to play a character her own age, which was refreshing. Washington of course, is his father’s son so his acting is just *chef’s kiss*.

The setting of the film and cinematography made the conversations and charged energy feel real, like you were literally in the house with them, following them through each room while they unpacked years of toxic traumas.

Now on to what I didn’t like. What helped the film also hurt it. I disliked like the fact that the entire film was in black and white and set in one location. I’ve seen films that were shot with the same cinematography and hated them, so I’ve come to the conclusion that I enjoy films shot in different locations, with multiple supporting actors and in COLOR. Anything outside of that reads too much like a stage play and that’s not what I signed up for.

The exchanges between the two characters at first, were exciting and interesting, then after about thirty minutes of it, it started to become tedious and draining. The arguments became circular and toxic. At some parts, the exchanges were comical, which I think was intentional at some points, while unintentional at others.

In one scene, Zendaya’s character even says: “Nothing productive is going to be said tonight.”

I couldn’t agree more. The arguments, which turn into ranting monologues, leave you tired ultimately and ready to leave the house yourself.

While watching these long-winded rants, I found myself lost in the characters, staring at their mouths, bodies, facial features and gestures. I began to lose their words and even had to rewind once or thrice.

What was intended to be a dark romantic drama that dissected the film industry and society, became a tedious film that read too much like Death of A Salesman.

I love these two actors and their performances, just not in this film.

Now that you’ve read my take, please leave comments below with your thoughts of the film!