Noah Baumbach's latest entry into the film world is uneasy as it is endearing; and as aggravating as it is hilarious. Marriage Story portrays how even the most amicable relationship takes the gloves off once the divorce papers are delivered.
While one gets the heartbreaking story of a once blossomed love deteriorating, one also gets a lot of humor, mostly in the mundane elements that come with it. Which works, because it humanizes the cutthroat nature of the grueling separation.
This isn't new, but Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson give career-topping performances. They both master the subtle moments, as well as the over-the-top instances. Lauren Dern is a scene-stealer every time she's on the screen.
The ultimate strength of this film is its writing. The screenplay is some of the most clever writing of the year. The cinematography was striking in that, for a story so heartbreaking, each scene is filled with brightness and pastel colors, a la Her (2013, dir. Spike Jonze). Randy Newman's score also gets high marks, as per usual.
Now abounds the debate of who this film sided with (I believe it was mostly even). However you feel about this film, it certainly shows the real ugly side that can be unearthed when things reach the boiling point.
My score: ★★★★
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