Marriage Story - Okay

You may be seeing a theme to how the past several movie reviews have started for me... as in I really did not want to watch this film. I'm not the biggest fan of movies that are just "drama," especially those that are basically filled with people fighting and crying and - for lack of better words - being absolutely dramatic. The main reason I didn't really want to watch it was because ScarJo isn't my most favorite actress. Yes, I will be in the theater when Black Widow comes out, and there are PLENTY of movies I still like with her in it, it's just something about her that I can't put my finger on. 

Marriage Story follows a married couple played by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. The plot starts off when them in mediation that eventually leads to divorce. At first, everything is civil, but that quickly gets out of control as the couple spiral downwards in their relationship and with the relationship they have with their son. There are some things I liked about the film and others I didn't much like. 

First, I thought it would be more of a story that tells both sides. Yes, we see both Charlie and Nicole, but the film is mostly about Charlie and what he is going through with the divorce. So I feel like this film is geared more towards adult men who are married, struggling, going through a divorce, etc. It really depicts what I can only assume to be true for the divorce process and how splitting up with a child is probably the hardest thing possible. 

Second, I thought the acting in this film was great. Scarlett and Adam brought so much emotion to the screen. First shyness and niceties when it all started, then confusion and untrustworthiness, then anger and sadness. Their interactions on screen really sold it for me. 

Marriage Story has been nominated for the following Academy Awards: 
1. Best Actor (Adam Driver)
2. Best Actress (Scarlett Johnasson)
3. Best Picture
4. Best Supporting Actress (Laura Dern)
5. Best Musical Score
6. Best Original Screenplay

From the few movies I've watched so far for Best Picture, I can see ScarJo being a good contender in the race for Best Actress but I'm not sure Adam Driver will be able to take over Joaquim Phoenix from Joker in Best Actor category. We still have about half of the best picture noms to go for watching and reviewing, but I think some of the above categories could possibly go to Marriage Story if the Academy Awards finally gets over their "Netflix Affliction."

I'm going to give this film 3/5 stars since I thought the acting was great, but I did not enjoy watching it. ✩ ✩ ✩