Intimate, weird and exhausting — those are three words to describe the disappointing film “Malcolm & Marie.” The black and white flick stars Zendaya and John David Washington, and those
Fri Feb 05, 2021 at 2:45pm ET
Zendaya and John David Washington in Malcolm and Marie. Pic Credit: Netflix
Netflix’s latest romance-drama Malcolm and Marie has hijacked the internet. The movie is directed and written by Sam Levinson (Euphoria) and stars Zendaya and John David Washington.
Malcolm and Marie has received a mixed reception from critics. However, the performances by the actors and the movie’s authenticity have been widely complimented. This revelation is being echoed by celebrities and fans.
What are celebrities saying?
On the day of the premiere, fans expressed that they would be staying up all night to watch the movie immediately after it is added to the Netflix platform. Turns out, celebrities did too.
Going back all the way to Addison DeWitt in All About Eve (1950), critics have often been villainised in cinema, portrayed as self-absorbed failed artists harbouring some hidden agenda when they lay down a harsh verdict. They re seldom shown as creatives who feel privileged and thrilled that they get to do what they do for a living. The tradition of critics being turned into targets of criticism continues in Malcolm & Marie. The woes of the film s protagonist, and by proxy its director Sam Levinson, bring to mind Noel Coward s quip: “I can take any amount of criticism as long as it is unqualified praise.” If unqualified praise is all Levinson wishes, he shouldn’t read any further.
Zendaya and John David Washington in Malcolm & Marie.
Of the movies made during the pandemic thus far, âMalcolm & Marieâ is probably the one with the highest profile. In September, Netflix paid an astounding $30 million to acquire the film, which debuted Friday in an apparent bid for awards-season recognition.Â
âMalcolm & âMarieâ begins with its title couple arriving at their palatial California rental home. Malcolm (John David Washington) is a director whose new movie just had a rapturous premiere. Heâs on cloud nine, reveling in the praise and mocking white sycophantsâ performative fawning. Marie (Zendaya), meanwhile, is not so charmed. Despite having lifted details of Marieâs former drug addiction for his film, Malcolm forgot to thank her during a speech, inflaming a fundamental issue in their relationship. What follows is a long, stormy exchange about art, Hollywood and what partners owe each other.Â