Zendaya collaborates with ‘Euphoria’ creator, Sam Levinson, to bring an endless night of emotionally raw tale to screen with John David Washington.
As we all know, the global pandemic forced everyone to stay home for the majority of 2020. When industries including motion pictures were crippling, Sam Levinson used the isolation to create art, also known as, Malcolm & Marie.
From mandatory pandemic protocols and less than a sixty cast and crew to bring this picture to life, Malcolm and Marie had been highly anticpated by the public with it’s announcement being published in late 2020. Incase you are unfamiliar with the new release, here is a recap:
“A gorgeous Hollywood couple has an extended, exhausting argument in this claustrophobic example of pandemic filmmaking from Netflix.” – The New York Times (Jeannette Catsoulis)
The movie begins with Malcolm and Marie returning home from an eventful and restless night after a premiere of Malcolm’s new film. Marie seems to be unbothered and irratated. Malcolm on the other hand, excited and blindsighted, is anticipating the release of the critic’s reviews on his new film. The audience can easily read between the lines. Zendaya’s character seems to be stand-offish as Malcolm continues to rant about his film and the premiere.
I am in favour of the B&W. It’s different to what most mainstream audiences watch, and I am in favour of it returning back to screen more often. It creates this contrast, both of them seem to be on different pages. They both had different experiences from the night.
A sequence being entirely shot from outside of the house makes us feel uneasy as it makes us feel as if we were the imposters. Staring into the house, Washington’s character rants about his night in facisnation while Zendaya’s character seems to have had about enough, pulling out a cigarette to smoke.
Flashforward, the cherry-on-top is when Malcolm proceeds with a “heart to heart” to Marie, as she continues to cook them mac n cheese, and Marie responds with:
The lack of communication and body language Zendaya had portrayed made us await uncomfortably for the initial argument. When it began, there was no turning back. The moments of silence began to create a moment of reflection for not only the characters but for us. Understanding both sides from an intimate and personal look into the scenario, it allows us to sympathise with both characters.
The film continues to showcase a night full of a candid and emotionally draining argument. With ups and downs, heartbreaks and rejoices as well as laughter and weeping. A film that portrays relationships with much difficulty and psychoticness.
The music also narrates the silence between the couple. The music is by the one and only, Labrinth. An incredible artist that has collaboarted with Levinson and Zendaya on Euphoria too. An echo of Rue (Zendaya’s character from HBO Max’s Euphoria) was present in the film as well. Malcolm’s film had been made based off of Marie’s life; when she was a twenty year old drug addict. – Similar to Rue’s storyline.
Zendaya earned my attention once again (after falling slightly numb to the ongoing arguments) with a turn of events. As Malcolm is seen scrolling through his phone, the music cuts, and the sound of a knife scratchthe surface of the countertop is sharp and clear. Marie present in frame with a knife (as seen in the beginning of the film.)
Zendaya convincas the audience, as well as Malcolm, that she is officially off the rails. The scene reflects on the disastrous night as it unravels in chaos. Marie brags about her cheating on Malcolm, antidepressants and her mental health concerns. just minutes later, Marie drops the knife aside and proves (to us and Malcolm) that she is in fact a great actress. (As Malcolm did not cast her as the lead of his film.)
Overall, I did enjoy the film, despite the ongoing dreadful arguments, I count them as a win as it is acting. However, I enjoy it mostly due to the fact that it was a joint project during a difficult time and was purely based off of acting in a B&W film. Seeing Zendaya debut her maturer roles is also exciting as the recent Emmy winner has been acting for a while and is finally growing into bigger roles. Many were expecting Zendaya to have recieved a Golden Globe or SAG Award nomination. As for the Oscars, I believe Zendaya still has a chance.
Yours Truly, Maria.