Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreakingly brutal, and always captivating, writer/director Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is an outstanding comedy-drama, and one of the best films of the year. It starts at the end of the marriage of Nicole Barber (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie Barber (Adam Driver), and takes us on an emotional whirlwind of a journey as it examines the multilayered intricacies of human relationships through a nuanced lens.

The secret to the success of Marriage Story is the identifiable nature of its characters and narrative. Sure, Charlie is a big-shot upcoming theatre director who is ready to dominate Broadway, while Nicole is a talented actress who has headlined his production in New York, and is now about to make a splash as a TV actor and director. And yes, this is a personal piece of cinema for Noah Baumbach, who has written excellent films such as Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), directed fine films such as De Palma (2015), and may have based Marriage Story on his drawn-out divorce with actress Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Most people who have been in relationships can relate to the core issues in director Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story

Despite not having worked in Hollywood, most people who have been in relationships can relate to the core issues in Marriage Story. The trouble between Nicole and Charlie begins when Nicole gets a lucrative offer to star in a television pilot in Los Angeles. Here, despite having promised Nicole many times that he would move to the city, Charlie wants to continue to stay in New York to pursue his career.

This is frustrating for Nicole because she’s tired of taking a backseat in the marriage. She wants her own identity and, despite having achieved success as the lead in his plays, wants to realise her potential and be a good mother to their son Henry (Azhy Robertson). Meanwhile, Charlie has been misreading Nicole’s signals because she has seemingly been happy despite her misgivings. He is on the cusp of great success at Broadway and the timing of moving to another city couldn’t be worse. Ultimately, he has to choose between his career and spending time with his son.

No marriage or relationship is perfect, though some are more than others. Compromise, resentment, miscommunication are aspects of any relationship. As viewers, we like both Charlie and Nicole. We appreciate their perspectives and, as the relationship becomes uglier, cry tears of sorrow and happiness for both.

I’ve been watching films since my umbilical cord was cut at the operating theatre, and I’ve rarely seen a film where the complex and raw nature of a love-hate relationship was presented so authentically. As their relationship sours, we see them struggle to come to terms with the feelings of hatred for someone they also love. The emotional strain and confusion are palpable.

I’ve rarely seen a film where the complex and raw nature of a love-hate relationship was presented so authentically. As their relationship sours, we see them struggle to come to terms with the feelings of hatred for someone they also love. The emotional strain and confusion are palpable.

Marriage Story is especially powerful because of the brilliant performances of its cast and their chemistry. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver are so good that they’ll leave bruises on your soul. Two scenes with Adam Driver will move you. One, where he loses control in anger and breaks down after he realises that he’s subconsciously taken a page out of an alcoholic parent’s book. The other where he grieves over the loss of love. His performance is so good that you’ll forget that he’s acting.

Although Marriage Story has plenty to say about the unpleasant side of relationships, it can also be poignant, sweet, and hilarious. Expect it to be the dark horse of the awards season.

Rated R for language throughout and sexual references

Published in Dawn, ICON, December 22nd, 2019