Malcolm & Marie

Last updated

Malcolm & Marie
Malcolm and Marie poster.jpeg
Official release poster
Directed by Sam Levinson
Written bySam Levinson
Produced by
Starring
  • Zendaya
  • John David Washington
Cinematography Marcell Rév
Edited byJulio C. Perez IV
Music by Labrinth
Production
companies
Distributed by Netflix
Release date
  • February 5, 2021 (2021-02-05)(United States)
Running time
106 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$2.5 million [1]

Malcolm & Marie is a 2021 American black-and-white romantic drama film written, co-produced and directed by Sam Levinson. The film stars Zendaya and John David Washington (who both also served as producers, alongside American musician Kid Cudi) and follows a writer-director and his girlfriend whose relationship is tested on the night of his latest film's premiere when revelations about themselves surface. The project was the first Hollywood feature to be entirely written, financed, and produced during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with filming taking place in secret in June and July 2020. [2]

Contents

Malcolm & Marie received a limited release on January 29, 2021, before being released digitally on February 5, 2021, by Netflix. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Zendaya and Washington's performances and chemistry and Levinson's direction, but criticizing his screenplay. The film also received some backlash for the 12 year age difference between the two actors portraying the protagonist characters. [3] For her performance, Zendaya was nominated for Best Actress at the 26th Critics' Choice Awards.

Plot

Writer-director Malcolm Elliott (John David Washington) returns home from his film premiere with his girlfriend Marie Jones (Zendaya). Malcolm eagerly anticipates the critical reviews following the emotional audience response from the screening. When he notices Marie looking displeased, he urges her to tell him what is bothering her. Initially reluctant to start a fight in the middle of the night, she tells him that she is upset that she was not thanked or acknowledged in his speech at the premiere.

Marie believes that she is the basis of his film, a drama about a struggling black female drug addict named Imani, as she herself was a drug addict when they met. Malcolm dismisses her accusations, claiming that Imani is not based on her and is an amalgamation of different people. Marie insists that he would not have authentically portrayed Imani's struggles with drug abuse and addiction if they were not together. Malcolm believes that Marie is overreacting, claiming that, because she quit acting years ago, she is jealous of the actress who played Imani and that she is projecting her personal problems on him and his film. Marie affirms her position on his lack of acknowledgment and calls his talents "mediocre". While Marie is taking a bath, Malcolm describes to her the different women he had relationships with, who inspired the character of Imani, stating that only Imani's feelings of hopelessness were based on Marie. After drying herself from the bath, she responds by playing Dionne Warwick's song "Get Rid of Him" on her phone, while the two are sitting silently outside.

Heading back inside, Malcolm then finds and reads the first critic review posted about his film. Despite the review being positive, he rants about the white female critic's political interpretation of his film as he did not intend it to be political. He laments that film critics are focusing too much on his black male identity and projecting politics into their interpretations, rather than judging him for his own merits. Marie playfully belittles his angry reaction to the positive review and his inability to take criticism, before the two appear to be bonding again following their arguments.

Before the two can begin to have sex, Marie provokes him when she asks why he did not cast her as Imani, believing that she would have brought a vulnerability and authenticity to the character that could have made the film better. After they angrily accuse each other of being egotistical, Marie then brings out a knife and acts out a scene as Imani to demonstrate authenticity, scaring but impressing Malcolm over how convincing she is. The two go to their bedroom and argue once more, until Marie lectures him about him taking her for granted and his lack of acknowledgement of how their genuine love for each other inspired the film.

Their arguing finally stops as they go to bed without saying anything to each other, only thanking each other before they sleep. Malcolm wakes up alone in bed in the morning daylight. He finds Marie alone outside and joins her as they look across the distance, leaving the fate of their relationship unknown.

Production

In 2020, Sam Levinson and Zendaya were both involved in the HBO show Euphoria , which had stopped production due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the two discussed the possibility and idea of making a feature film project during the pandemic. Levinson pitched several possibilities to Zendaya, including a psychological thriller they would film at her home. He then began to come up with "a relationship piece that plays out in real time." [1]

John David Washington joined the project after Levinson read 10 pages of dialogue to Washington over the phone, saying, "I couldn't believe it. It was beautiful words I heard, and at the same time very disturbing with visceral confrontations." [4]

After receiving approval from the Writers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America, principal production took place from June 17 to July 2, shooting entirely at the Caterpillar House, a private home at The Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. [5] The film followed local COVID-19 safety protocols, including the entire cast and crew being quarantined during shooting, as well as two weeks before and after shooting, daily temperature checks, and increased sanitation measures. [6] [2] [7] The crew included many members of the Euphoria crew, including cinematographer Marcell Rév and production designer Michael Grasley. Both Washington and Zendaya were responsible for doing their own makeup and picking out their own costumes, as there were no makeup artists or costume designer on set. No more than 12 people were allowed on set at a time. The production also had to be kept very confined so that the cast and crew could remain undisturbed during shooting. The film was shot on black-and-white 35 mm film. [6]

Release

In September 2020, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the film for $30 million, outbidding HBO, Amazon Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Apple TV+, A24 and Focus Features. [6] It was released theatrically in select theaters on January 29, 2021, and then was streamed on Netflix beginning February 5, 2021. [8] [9] Deadline Hollywood reported the film "made hardly any money" during its theatrical run (due to the COVID-19 lockdowns). [10] The film was the most-watched title on the platform in its debut weekend, but dropped out of the top 10 by its second. [11] [12]

Reception

Critical response

According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 56% of 250 critic reviews were positive, with an average rating of 6.3/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Malcolm & Marie's ambitions aren't always satisfactorily fulfilled, but its flaws are often offset by the strong chemistry between the film's stars." [13] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 53 out of 100, based on 44 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". [14]

Writing for Variety , Peter Debruge said "Levinson gives his stars roughly equal time, carefully modulating the sense of balance throughout. His direction seldom seems showy, and yet, we sense the intention behind each cut as power and control shifts throughout the movie." [15] David Ehrlich of IndieWire gave the film a grade of C+ and wrote, "Sam Levinson's exasperatingly gorgeous Malcolm & Marie is a lot like the two people who lend its title their names: confident and insecure in equal measure, stuffed to the gills with big ideas but convinced of nothing beyond its own frenzied existence, and reverent of Hollywood's past at the same time it's trying to stake a new claim for its future." [9] Will Gompertz of BBC News awarded the film 2/5 stars, writing that "John David Washington and Zendaya have been bickering for well over an hour when a moment of theatrical excellence (at 80 mins, to be precise) lights up an otherwise pedestrian drama about a couple having a domestic." [16] Charles Bramesco of Little White Lies criticized the film for being an "awkward, hideously overacted talkathon", scoring it with a 1/5 rating. [17]

In a very positive review, Mike Crowley of You'll Probably Agree called Malcolm & Marie a "decent quarantine capsule", concluding that it is "pretentious in all the right ways", and scored the film with a 3.5/4 rating. [18] Furthermore, although criticizing the film itself, Gompertz positively reviewed "the impressive acting chops of Washington and Zendaya." [16] Bill Lowry of CNN Entertainment similarly praised their acting, writing, "pairing Zendaya and John David Washington, the movie -- quickly and stealthily shot during the pandemic -- wins points for ingenuity, then loses them with its shrill tone and the uneven hairpin turns of its writing." [19] One of the film's early champions was FilmSpeak's Zach Marsh, who, in a glowing review, unilaterally praised the writing, the performances of Washington and Zendaya, and the cinematography, calling Malcolm & Marie "one of the greatest films of the past twenty years," and predicting that the film would come to be seen as such by critics in retrospect. [20]

In a response to criticism, Sam Levinson said that some reviewers focused too much on Malcolm and his speech on film criticism and disregarded the importance of Marie's character and opposing viewpoint. [21] Nathalie Moreira of High on Films wrote, "Sam Levinson's new feature deconstructs traditional romance stereotypes in favor of a modern love story filled with resentment, disorientation, and unresolved issues." [22]

Accolades

AwardCategoryRecipientResultRef.
BET Awards Best Actress Zendaya Nominated [23]
Black Reel Awards Outstanding Actress Nominated [24]
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance – Female Nominated
Outstanding CinematographyMarcell RévWon
Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Actress ZendayaNominated [25]
Hollywood Critics Association Best ActressNominated [26]
MTV Movie & TV Awards Best Performance in a Movie Nominated [27]
Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuosos AwardWon [28]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riley Keough</span> American actress (born 1989)

Danielle Riley Keough is an American actress. She made her feature film debut in a supporting part in the musical biopic The Runaways (2010), portraying Marie Currie. Keough subsequently starred in the independent thriller The Good Doctor (2011), before being cast in a minor role in Steven Soderbergh's comedy film Magic Mike (2012). She had her first big-budget release in the action feature Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John David Washington</span> American actor and football player (born 1984)

John David Washington is an American actor and former professional football player. He is the son of actor Denzel Washington and Pauletta Pearson. He started his career in college football at Morehouse College and signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Professionally, Washington spent four years as a running back for the United Football League's Sacramento Mountain Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Levinson</span> American filmmaker and actor (born 1985)

Samuel Levinson is an American filmmaker and actor. He is the son of Academy Award-winning director Barry Levinson. In 2010, he received his first writing credit as a co-writer for the action comedy film Operation: Endgame. The following year, he made his directorial film debut with Another Happy Day (2011), which premiered at Sundance Film Festival. He then received a writing credit on his father's HBO television film The Wizard of Lies (2017). He continued writing and directing for the feature films Assassination Nation (2018) and Malcolm & Marie (2021).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zendaya</span> American actress and singer (born 1996)

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is an American actress and singer. She has received various accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Storm Reid</span> American actress (born 2003)

Storm Reid is an American actress. After early roles in the television show A Cross to Bear (2012), the drama film 12 Years a Slave (2013), and the superhero film Sleight (2016), she earned Teen Choice Award and NAACP Image Award nominations for playing Meg Murry in the fantasy film A Wrinkle in Time (2018). She garnered further recognition with roles in the thriller film Don't Let Go (2019) and the horror film The Invisible Man (2020).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelvin Harrison Jr.</span> American actor

Kelvin Harrison Jr. is an American actor. He is the recipient of such accolades as a Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for a British Academy Film Award, Gotham Award, an Independent Spirit Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sydney Sweeney</span> American actress (born 1997)

Sydney Bernice Sweeney is an American actress. She first gained attention in 2018 for appearing in the television series Everything Sucks! and The Handmaid's Tale, and in the limited series Sharp Objects. In the following year, she was featured in the Quentin Tarantino-directed film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacob Elordi</span> Australian actor (born 1997)

Jacob Elordi is an Australian actor. After moving to Los Angeles in 2017 to pursue an acting career, he gained prominence with his role as Noah Flynn, the bad boy love interest, in Netflix's The Kissing Booth film series (2018–2021). He also became known for his role as troubled high school football player Nate Jacobs in HBO's teen drama series Euphoria (2019–present). In 2023, he starred as Elvis Presley in the biographical film Priscilla and as a wealthy university student in Saltburn, which earned him a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Euphoria is an American teen drama television series created and principally written by Sam Levinson for HBO and based on the Israeli miniseries of the same name created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin. The series stars Zendaya, Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Storm Reid, Hunter Schafer, Algee Smith and Sydney Sweeney in main roles. The series follows Rue Bennett (Zendaya), a troubled teenage drug addict who struggles to get sober, find her place in the world, and adjust to her relationships after rehab. Though Rue is the central focus of the show, the beginning of most episodes provides backstories for the rest of the main characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hunter Schafer</span> American actress and model (born 1998)

Hunter Schafer is an American actress and model. She is mainly known for her role as transgender high school student Jules Vaughn in the HBO teen drama television series Euphoria (2019–present).

<i>Enola Holmes</i> (film) 2020 film by Harry Bradbeer

Enola Holmes is a 2020 mystery film starring Millie Bobby Brown as the title character, the teenage sister of the already famous Victorian-era detective Sherlock Holmes. The film is directed by Harry Bradbeer from a screenplay by Jack Thorne that adapts the first novel in The Enola Holmes Mysteries series by Nancy Springer. In the film, Enola travels to London to find her missing mother but ends up on a thrilling adventure, pairing up with a runaway lord as they attempt to solve a mystery that threatens the entire country. In addition to Brown, the film also stars Sam Claflin, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter.

<i>The Prom</i> (film) 2020 film, based on the musical of the same name, directed by Ryan Murphy

The Prom is a 2020 American musical comedy film directed by Ryan Murphy from a screenplay by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, based on the 2018 Broadway musical of the same name by Martin, Beguelin, and Matthew Sklar. The film stars Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Chamberlin, Mary Kay Place, and Kerry Washington, and introduces Jo Ellen Pellman in her film debut as Emma Nolan. Logan Riley Hassel, Sofia Deler, Nico Greetham, and Nathaniel J. Potvin also appear in supporting roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MJ (Marvel Cinematic Universe)</span> Character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Michelle Jones-Watson, most commonly known as MJ, is a fictional character portrayed by Zendaya in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film franchise, an original character within the media franchise that pays homage to Mary Jane "MJ" Watson, a recurring love interest of Spider-Man in comic books and various media.

<i>Pieces of a Woman</i> 2020 film by Kornél Mundruczó

Pieces of a Woman is a 2020 drama film directed by Kornél Mundruczó, from a screenplay by Kata Wéber. The film stars Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf, Molly Parker, Sarah Snook, Iliza Shlesinger, Benny Safdie, Jimmie Fails, and Ellen Burstyn as the family and associates of Martha (Kirby) involved in her traumatic childbirth, baby loss, and a subsequent court case against the midwife, Eva (Parker), whom Martha's mother Elizabeth (Burstyn) blames for the baby's death. Martin Scorsese and Sam Levinson served as executive producers, and the film was scored by Howard Shore.

<i>One Night in Miami...</i> 2020 American drama film by Regina King

One Night in Miami... is a 2020 American drama film directed by Regina King with a screenplay by Kemp Powers, based on his 2013 stage play of the same name. The film is a fictionalized account of a meeting on February 25, 1964, between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke in a room at the Hampton House, celebrating Ali's surprise title win over Sonny Liston. It stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr. in the lead roles, with Lance Reddick, Joaquina Kalukango, Nicolette Robinson, and Beau Bridges in supporting roles.

<i>The Unforgivable</i> 2021 drama film by Nora Fingscheidt

The Unforgivable is a 2021 drama film directed by Nora Fingscheidt and written by Peter Craig, Hillary Seitz, and Courtenay Miles, based on the 2009 British miniseries Unforgiven written by Sally Wainwright. The film stars Sandra Bullock as a woman who, following her release from prison after serving twenty years for committing murder, is determined to reunite with her estranged younger sister. Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, Richard Thomas, Linda Emond, Aisling Franciosi, Rob Morgan, and Viola Davis also star.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kid Cudi filmography</span> American artists filmography

Kid Cudi is an American actor, producer, film composer, music video director and musician.

The Idol is an American drama television series created by Sam Levinson, Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim. The series focuses on female pop idol Jocelyn and her complex relationship with Tedros (Tesfaye), a sleazy nightclub owner, self-help guru, and cult leader. Appearing in supporting roles are Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Moses Sumney, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Ramsey, and Hank Azaria.

References

  1. 1 2 Fleming, Mike Jr. (January 8, 2021). "Zendaya, John David Washington & Director Sam Levinson Enter Awards Fray Today With Pandemic-Shot Drama 'Malcolm & Marie'". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  2. 1 2 D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 8, 2020). "How Zendaya, John David Washington & 'Euphoria' Creator Sam Levinson Started & Finished A Secret Movie During The Pandemic". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  3. ↑ Hanifen, Katharine (February 12, 2021). "Malcolm & Marie's Age Gap Backlash Explained (Does It Matter?)". ScreenRant. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  4. ↑ Davis, Clayton (January 12, 2021). "John David Washington on Zendaya's Versatility and Why He 'Desperately Needed' to Make 'Malcolm & Marie'". Variety . Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  5. ↑ Zack, Jessica (February 3, 2021). "Co-starring in 'Malcolm & Marie,' the stunning Monterey County home where the movie is set". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 13, 2020). "Netflix Closes $30 Million Deal For 'Malcolm & Marie' Off Promo; Sam Levinson Lockdown-Shot Drama Stars Zendaya & John David Washington: Toronto". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  7. ↑ Crichton, Maddie (July 9, 2020). "Zendaya, John David Washington, and "Euphoria" Creator Film Secret Movie During Coronavirus Pandemic". Rogue Rocket. Archived from the original on July 10, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  8. ↑ Feinberg, Scott (December 5, 2020). "Netflix's 'Malcolm & Marie,' With Zendaya and John David Washington, Drops Into Oscar Race (Exclusive)". Netflix Junkie. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  9. 1 2 Ehrlich, David (January 22, 2021). "'Malcolm & Marie' Review: John David Washington and Zendaya Find Beauty in a Bad Romance". IndieWire . Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  10. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 7, 2021). "'The Little Things' Super Bowl Weekend B.O. On Par With Liam Neeson Pics During Pandemic". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  11. ↑ Brueggemann, Tom (February 8, 2021). "'Malcolm & Marie' Soars at Netflix as 'Greenland' Continues to Score at a Premium VOD Price". IndieWire . Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  12. ↑ Brueggemann, Tom (February 15, 2021). "'Croods 2′ and 'Wonder Woman 1984' Show VOD Rebound as 'Barb and Star' Makes Strong Debut". IndieWire . Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Malcolm & Marie (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes . Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Malcolm & Marie Reviews". Metacritic . Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  15. ↑ Debruge, Peter (January 22, 2021). "'Malcolm & Marie' Review: Zendaya and 'Euphoria' Creator Reteam on Revealing Netflix Drama". Variety . Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  16. 1 2 "Malcolm & Marie: Will Gompertz reviews film starring Zendaya & John David Washington ★★☆☆☆". BBC News. February 13, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  17. ↑ Bramesco, Charles (January 22, 2021). "Malcolm & Marie review – Awkward, hideously overacted talkathon". Little White Lies. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  18. ↑ Crowley, Mike (January 28, 2021). "Malcolm & Marie - "a decent quarantine capsule"". You'll Probably Agree. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  19. ↑ Brian Lowry (February 5, 2021). "Review: 'Malcolm & Marie' is a showcase for its stars, and a headache for its viewers". CNN. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  20. ↑ Marsh, Zach (February 1, 2021). "'Malcolm & Marie' Review: A Stunning Portrayal of Relationships, and a Monochrome Two-Hander Triumph". FilmSpeak. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  21. ↑ "'Malcolm & Marie' filmmaker Sam Levinson wanted to start a conversation. Just not this one". Los Angeles Times. February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  22. ↑ Malcolm & Marie (2021) - A Bittersweet Realism of Love. highonfilms.com.
  23. ↑ Clark, Anne Victoria (June 27, 2021). "Here Are Your 2021 BET Awards Winners". Vulture.com . Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  24. ↑ N'Duka, Amanda (February 18, 2021). "'One Night in Miami', 'Judas and the Black Messiah' Lead Nominations For 21st Annual Black Reel Awards". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Nominations for the 26th Critics' Choice Awards". Critics Choice Awards. February 8, 2021. Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  26. ↑ Menzel, Scott (February 2, 2021). "The 4th Annual HCA Film Awards Nominations Have Been Announced". Hollywood Critics Association . Archived from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  27. ↑ Del Rosario, Alexandra (April 19, 2021). "MTV Movie & TV Awards Nominations: 'Emily In Paris', 'WandaVision' & 'RuPaul's Drag Race'". Deadline. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  28. ↑ "RIZ AHMED, MARIA BAKALOVA, KINGSLEY BEN-ADIR, ANDRA DAY, SIDNEY FLANIGAN, VANESSA KIRBY, TAHAR RAHIM, AND ZENDAYA VIRTUOSOS AWARD PRESENTED BY UGG®". Santa Barbara International Film Festival . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.