From Sam Levison and Netflix comes the lockdown-filmed Malcolm & Marie, a dialogue-driven two-hander between two of the most exciting names in the industry. John David Washington and Zendaya star as the titular couple whose strained relationship comes to a head on the night of the former's latest film premiere.
A film destined to be as divisive amongst general audiences as it has between critics so far, Malcolm & Marie comes of as somewhat of a vanity project for Levison, who uses the opportunity to air some frustrations he has with the industry he works in. A character study that manages to tackle themes of race, insecurities and trauma, most of the solid personal work is overwhelmed by the screenplay's criticism of film critics, with Malcolm (clearly operating as a mouthpiece for the writer-director) reacting aggressively towards one female critic from the LA Times who has previously criticised his work; it takes one quick google search to find the scathing-but-fair LA Times review of Levison's last feature, Assassination Nation, and connect the dots. In what seems to be a rather personal attack against a writer who highlights some justified concerns with the controversial 2018 film, Levison's grudge-holding ego leaves a dreadfully bitter taste laced throughout Malcolm & Marie.
It is a shame that the context sadly reshapes the piece, as it is an otherwise rather impressive effort. Visually, the film is a beautifully-shot and striking effort, with the black-and-white cinematography imbuing an egg-shell intensity crucial to timebomb, fractious relationship at Malcolm & Marie's heart. Its jazz-inspired soundtrack also helps maintains an uneasy mood that threatens to combust at any moment. While the pacing of the film stutters a little into the second half, it remains totally compelling for its 106-minute runtime.
It is the performances that elevate Malcolm & Marie however. Levison uses his working relationship with Zendaya to tremendous effect, cultivating an environment in which the Euphoria lead can continue to cement herself as one of the brightest and most talented stars of her generation. A stunningly-calibrated performance that offers light-and-shade, Zendaya's range is used to full effect, demonstrating anger, vulnerability and everything in between. Washington is similarly electrifying with a commanding lead turn that allows him to chew through the extensive dialogue and monologues with ease. While individually great, they are thankfully terrific together too, with the all-important chemistry between the two ensuring that viewers are absorbed in their relationship drama.
Malcolm & Marie is, for the most part, an interesting and engaging relationship study that delves into heady ideas and complex emotions. A verbal tennis match, it is a powerful two-hander that would fall apart without such intoxicating performances from both Zendaya and Washington, who manage to overcome the uncomfortable context brought about by the writer-director's hurt ego, with some of their strongest work to date. An elegantly-shot, intense character, Malcolm & Marie may not be people you want to spend time with, but it certainly is fascinating to watch them go head-to-head.
Summary: Elegantly-shot, Malcolm & Marie has Zendaya and John David Washington's intoxicating performances and chemistry to thank for compelling as it does, succeeding in spite of a screenplay held back by ego.