'Malcolm & Marie': What Reviewers Are Saying
Starring Zendaya and John David Washington, the film hits Netflix on February 5.
While the rest of us were at home attempting sourdough starters and bingeing Tiger King through blurry eyes, Emmy-winning actress Zendaya produced a movie with Sam Levinson, the writer and director who gave us Euphoria. The result is Malcolm & Marie, a black-and-white film lusciously shot and completed as the first wave of the coronavirus tore through America. With the film sparkling all sorts of Oscar buzz—with whispers of a forthcoming nomination for powerhouse Zendaya—here’s everything you need to know about the buzzy film.
What's Malcolm & Marie about?
Starring Zendaya and John David Washington, the movie tells the story of a domestic spat that occurs after the titular characters return home from film director Malcolm’s latest movie premiere. In a moment of ego-driven absentmindedness, Malcolm (Washington) forgets to acknowledge his girlfriend and muse Marie (Zendaya) in his speech, leading to a turbulent discussion about art and love.
Who's in the Malcolm & Marie cast?
Zendaya plays Marie, an icy and unyielding woman in her twenties who would very much like to be acknowledged for her influence on Malcolm's films. As a young, mononymous Hollywood starlet (and certified fashion icon) who has mostly played teenagers, from those struggling with drug addiction to nerdy love interests in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Disney's KC Undercover, this role has given Zendaya the chance to explore new emotional depths.
In GQ’s February cover story of the actress, Zendaya told Hunter Harris, “[Marie] gave me an opportunity to use these words in a way,” she continued, “I don't yell. I'm not a very argumentative person, but it's nice to just release shit and be able to—I don't know… I guess emote would be the word? To just use her as this vessel to just get shit out that maybe I had pent up or hadn't said.”
In an interview with Elle UK, the actress also noted the creative control she had on the filmmaking process: “It was an actor’s dream. But it was also a little nerve-racking. When you have an idea, and you’re putting your own money into it—I mean, I was literally using my own clothes on set and doing my own hair and make-up—it’s hard not to get a little bit insecure. Like, ‘Oh my gosh, am I really doing this?’ It was one of the first times I just went for something, and I’m so grateful and proud of it.”
John David Washington plays Malcolm, an up-and-coming director who is tortured by the limits Hollywood imposes on Black creatives and the critical reception of his movies. Washington, a former running back for the St. Louis Rams (and the son of Denzel), pivoted to acting in 2015 with his role in the HBO series Ballers. More recently, he starred in Spike Lee’s Oscar-nominated film BlacKkKlansman, which earned him a Golden Globe nod, and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.
What are critics saying about Malcolm & Marie?
Although initial reactions praised the film for its visuals and performances, critic reviews are mixed. While some have noted the film is “suffocated by all of its screenwriters hot air” and “a meta-movie parlor trick,” others have said the movie is a “vibrant, perceptive film.”
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
It's been compared to iconic arthouse films Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Scenes from a Marriage, and the works of John Cassavetes due to the strength of its performances, which largely make the film necessary viewing. According to Variety, “Levinson has written Malcolm & Marie like a punchy, too-articulate-for-2am play, one that unfolds almost in real time over the course of the evening, but it's the performers who keep all the sparring from feeling staged.”
When will Malcolm & Marie be released?
The film will be released February 5 on Netflix.
Zoe Guy is the digital fellow at Marie Claire, where she covers pop culture, hot celebrity gossip, movies and TV. She’s obsessed with Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of The Age of Innocence, anything written by Jesmyn Ward and stan Twitter.
-
'Too Hot to Handle' Rule Breakers Katherine LaPrell and Charlie Jeer Are Sexy Pair to Watch This Season
The two models have had a rocky road toward coupling up, but could they be in it to win it?
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Ice Spice Hits Back at Claims Taylor Swift Became Friends With Her for "Clout"
She's insulted by people's assumptions.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Bette Midler Swears the Secret to Her 40-Year Marriage Is "Separate Bedrooms"
She's been married to Martin von Haselberg since 1984.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
How 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' Pulled Off Its Iconic Wardrobe With Gowns From the Mall of America and Crafting
As the cult classic turns 25, its costume designer opens up about creating magic on a scrappy production.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How the 'Twisters' Soundtrack Rides Country Music's Mainstream Storm
The summer blockbuster is blowing into theaters with storm-wrangling sequences and killer needle drops.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Breaking Down the Shocking, Satanic Ending of ‘Longlegs’
The horror film and box-office hit stars Maika Monroe as an FBI agent hunting a serial killer played by Nicolas Cage.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Maxxxine' Is an Homage to the Sleazy Horror Genre Giallo—But Does Away With Its Violence Against Women Cliché
The new 'X' movie is inspired by the sleazy Giallo genre, but its lead flips the misogynistic horror style on its head.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Maika Monroe Opens Up About Crafting a Nuanced Final Girl in Her 'Longlegs' Character Lee Harker
The actress opens up about her affinity for playing final girls and crafting her character in this year’s runaway horror hit.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
32 Movies to Watch if You Like Sci-Fi
Whether you're into films set in space or time travel.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The 17 Best Feminist Horror Movies Ever
Calling all scream queens.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Janet Planet' Is the Latest Must-See Entry in the Mother-Daughter Movie Canon
The sweet A24 movie marks the feature debut of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker.
By Sadie Bell Published