If you’re at all familiar with Noah Baumbach’s work, you know that every film engages with complex elements of the human condition. Sometimes they’re profoundly funny as we saw with Frances Ha. Other times they’re profoundly devastating as with The Squid And The Whale. But they’re always profoundly human. Marriage Story is no different, offering a deeply felt ode to the human condition during the disintegration of a marriage and the subsequent rebuilding of a life as something wholly new. Part Postcards From The Edge, part Kramer vs. Kramer, Baumbach’s created a film that’s deeply witty, heartfelt, and genuine with a unique theatricality.  

Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) have been married for some time. They have a young son, Henry (Azhy Robertson), and work together in Charlie’s theatre company where Nicole is his lead in every production. They’re getting a divorce, and it isn’t going smoothly. Nicole and Charlie quickly discover just how painful and complicated the emotional impact of divorce can be on top of the pragmatic ramifications.  

But is it all pain and no joy? What sets this film apart, and why should you look forward to how much it will make you cry (trust me, it will make you cry)? We have three reasons you need to see Marriage Story as soon as possible.  

1. Scarlett Johansson & Adam Driver Doing Some Of Their Best Work

  

It cannot be overstated that this is some of Driver’s best work. Charlie is a complex character beautifully brought to life. In typical Baumbachian fashion, he’s less than perfect. He can be cluelessly selfish, unintentionally manipulative, and can behave like a pedantic child when he doesn’t get his way. But he’s still human, which takes a very specific talent to bring to life. Driver’s always been skilled at portraying complex, realistic characters, but Charlie is something special. The Academy would be crazy not to give him a nomination for Best Actor.  

Then there’s Scarlett Johansson. Despite being known for the MCU, a massive, populist franchise with devoted fans and equally devoted detractors, she’s a versatile actress who seldom gets enough credit when it’s due. As Nicole, she’s given the opportunity to tap into something deeper than what her biggest movies have been able to afford her. Baumbach’s written a complex female character that demands a level of strength and conviction while remaining soft and, at times, even a little broken. Johansson delivers beyond expectations, playing perfectly off of Driver’s Charlie. The two have incredible chemistry that will stun audiences.    

2. One Of The Best Fight Scenes In History – It’s Just Not Physical

Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) with their son, Henry (Azhy Robertson) in 'Marriage Story'

Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) with their son, Henry (Azhy Robertson) in ‘Marriage Story’

When we think of momentous fight scenes, the best in cinema history, we often think of action movies. The hallway scene in Oldboy. The kitchen fight in The Raid 2. Hell, Rocky versus Apollo Creed! But we don’t give enough attention to the great emotional fight scenes in cinema history. When someone does finally put themselves through the torture of making that list, this scene may top it.  

It wouldn’t be a film about divorce if we didn’t watch the couple doing the uncoupling have at it. Without giving too much away, Nicole and Charlie are trying to deal with their conscious uncoupling in the most productive, least painful way. After unavoidably getting lawyers involved, the two try to hash out the details on their own. What results is, as I’ve said, one of the greatest emotional fights in cinema history. The scene starts innocuously enough, two people unsure of how honest they can be in this current moment. Both want to avoid causing the other any pain while also trying to keep things from getting too uncomfortable. Naturally, it all falls apart, as the desire to protect each other disintegrates and all that’s left is ruthless unrelenting honesty. Anyone who’s been in a long-term relationship (the definition of long-term being wholly subjective) will recognize this fight, at least in parts if not as a whole. We’ve all had it. And the performances of both Johansson and Driver, once they get to That Place, are heartbreaking and remarkable.   

3. The Most Beautiful Rendition Of “Being Alive”

(WARNING: Mild spoilers ahead.)

Musicality is a pretty subjective term. Cellist Gregory Beaver defines musicality as “the process by which deep associative emotions and memories bend the specific technical aspects of a musical performance.” It’s what makes us feel something beyond awe at a singer or musician’s technical prowess. Bette Midler and Barbara Streisand are some of the best. It’s the one thing you really can’t teach, at least not easily. So why am I talking about musicality here? Because Adam Driver sings quite possibly the most beautiful and heartbreaking rendition of Sondheim’s “Being Alive” I’ve ever heard.  

Near the end of the film, when all is said and done, Charlie’s back in New York at karaoke night with his theatre company. One by one, they all head up to the piano to show their chops, and, my God, some of their chops! Then the piano starts to plink the tune of “Being Alive” from Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company. Driver takes the stage, and the game’s over. He performs the classic song with expert musicality even the best Broadway stars would be envious of. If you don’t tear up during his rendition, I don’t know what to tell you.   

In summary, Marriage Story will break you in the best sort of way. It’s two master actors at the top of their game directed by a guy who knows how to get even more out of his cast. If you’re looking for early Best Actor and Best Actress nominees. look no further than this.

Marriage Story is in theaters on November 6th.

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