How 'Allied' Escapes the Shadow of Brad Pitt's Personal Life
Can we separate the art from the artist('s high-profile divorce)?
It's hard to go wrong with a completely gorgeous period film starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard, and Allied meets expectations: It's pretty, engaging, and thrilling. The film's one flaw? Its audience. Allied deserves to be enjoyed without the burden of Pitt's personal life; it's a visually stunning movie carried by two of the most talented actors of our time. But can it rise above the gossip that surrounds it?
Allied will likely do well at the box office, in part because it tells a highly watchable story of World War II era spies who fall in love during a covert operation, only to have their perfect relationship put to the test thanks to a majorly juicy spoiler. It might also do well thanks to being made during the unraveling of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's marriage—not to mention the fact that rumors of an on-screen affair briefly plagued Pitt and Cotillard. (So much so that she had to make a statement to remind everyone that yep, she's still happily married to her husband, and by the way they're expecting a baby.)
That said, by the time Pitt and Cotillard start shooting a bunch of Nazis mid-way through Allied, it's easy enough to forget their real-life drama and focus on the task at hand: watching a super-fun spy movie. Part of what makes Allied good is Pitt and Cotillard's on-screen chemistry, and while Pitt perhaps had stronger chemistry during his last spy film (ahem, Mr. and Mrs. Smith), he and Cotillard—particularly Cotillard—slay the sexually tense spy game. Pitt is the very definition of brooding, and Cotillard oozes "badass seductress who doesn't need a man but might as well have one" vibes. Observe this moment of dialogue: "The mistake people make in these situations isn't f*cking, it's feeling," she says. Their characters even have sex in the middle of a sandstorm, which might be the most gorgeous moment in the entire movie.
But chemistry and sandy love-making aside, Allied is bolstered by the blockbuster appeal Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis is known for (it'll be a crime if the beautiful costumes don't get nominated for something). And sure, it might be a reach to read into Allied as more than a fun big-budget thriller, but the film attempted to subvert a few female domesticity stereotypes when Cotillard and Pitt's characters eventually settled down, which I, for one, appreciated.
There isn't too much to unpack here, but Allied certainly has enough romance, chemistry, and plot twists to make you think—once you get past Brangelina, that is.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
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.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla 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