an HONEST in depth review on Malcolm & Marie: black representation, age gap, performance // *spoiler 

Pls keep in mind that I am not a film critic, just a girl who likes watching movies and talking to y'all about them like we're on FaceTime. Also...it’s okay if you didn’t like the movie! I wanna hear your opinions on it regardless of whether you agreed with my thoughts or not, let me know what you thought of Malcom & Marie in the comments, I've also left some time stamps down below! 💘 SUMMARY - 1:21 INITIAL THOUGHTS - 2:24 AGE GAP COMMENTS - 3:45 MY CRITIQUE & THOUGHTS - 4:39

This movie reminded of a time when I shared something personal with my bf and he used it as an analogy in a deep conservation with our friends over dinner. They thought he was so insightful. I was horrified he shared my personal story as an analogy to another situation we were discussing. Even though he didn't say it was a situation I experienced it still bothered me he was so casual about sharing it. I told my mother and she told me, never share all your stories with anyone, even the man you love. There are some things that are yours alone. Never give your all of yourself away. Keep parts of yourself to yourself. This is important to self preservation in any relationship. I thought the movie was deep on many levels but that part really struck home for me.

I really enjoyed this film, it felt like I was in the middle of a couples argument, which was very uncomfortable at times, especially when Malcolm took those low blows. I would also like to point out that, during the bathroom scene when Malcolm was recounting his past relationships and telling Marie where he got his inspiration, it was clear to me that Malcolm has a certain type. Malcolm is definitely a narsiccist, and he chooses women that have a lot of emotional baggage, as well as substance abuse problems, it's as if he revels in the fact that he is the "rational"/"normal" one in the relationship.

the part where shes acting WHILE acting, to prove his authenticity point😭... i love this movie

It was the way I couldn't figure out what truths were actually reality. They were dragging tf out of each other but both of their arguments were clockable, BUT we don't know the real truth. But the fact that the whole film was in one setting..they ate that up

This movie hits different when ur actually in a toxic relationship

Yessss you explained this movie well! Malcom was pure narcissism at its finest

The age difference: isn’t that what some narcissistic men do-- get a younger woman so that they can do whatever they want b/c she doesn’t have a lot of life experience 😳.

I'm honestly tired of those love stories about lovers' quarrels where the guy is an artistic genious (usually shapen by the male director on himself) amd the girl his muse who inspires him but gets nothing in return, so she rightfully feels used and when she tries to explain the guy's like "No girl I need youuhh😭... u have self esteem problems btw and u crazy so I'm gonna make you feel like shit" and both the movie and the critics are like "both the guy and the girl have the same level of fault😚"

I really loved this movie. Aside from how beautiful it was, the camera work, the lighting - I mean, it was shot like a fashion editorial; absolutely stunning. The beauty of it was a great counterbalance to how ugly the fights were. Which seemed to be an ongoing theme: ugly fight, beautiful home; thousand dollar dress, making boxed mac and cheese; beautiful people, ugly words. But all that aside, I could really tell that this movie was written and directed by a film geek. The references, which directors Malcolm named, the fact that the entire movie is essentially a modern version of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf - there's just so much there to think about and enjoy.

It’s a lot going on in the film but I wanted to point out that it the film gave a perspective of a black woman That society doesn’t want to acknowledge. They call us strong and then try to tear us down with words in the same breath, it’s contradicting. We defend ourselves but we’re just as sensitive as anyone else, it’s gets tiring.

I’m so glad you mentioned how easy it can be to be persuaded by film critics, cuz I really be feeling like I’m wrong sometimes if I initially have a different opinion from a film critic. Yes, it’s cool and helpful to get other perspectives from people whose career is to study films but your own opinions matter too, since this art is available to the public

I loved this movie because it shows you what a toxic relationship. While I watched it, all I could think was “I pray that I never end up with a Malcolm”. He didn’t love her because you wouldn’t try to break someone you love down. He was constantly gaslighting and verbally abusing her. You either completely hate or completely love it.

I’ve actually been in a similar situation like this and men like Malcolm truly exist. I even had to pause the movie a couple of times cause the way they kept spitting low blows at each other was so intense as triggering cause it reminded me of those situations I was once in. I honestly loved the execution of this movie!

The movie basically was just a warning of what not to do in an argument with your partner. Like damn, Malcolm is a master gaslighter

Zendaya is absolutely phenomenal in this film. She was just nominated for a Critics Choice Award and will hopefully get an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. I just want to point out that the home they're in was provided by the production company. While watching the movie I was wondering how they could afford it since Malcolm hadn't really "made it" until he received good reviews for his latest film. He mentions later on how great the house is that the production company provided for them.

They wanted someone who would make zendaya feel comfortable and give her a Challenge so they picked John David Washington because he was sweet and very respectful of how far he could go and made sure after some to all scenes she was ok and ready to move to the next and he was the only voice they hear as Malcolm.

For my grown & married people. This film is like when you’re getting ready for bed and ask “are you mad?”, when you really should just go to sleep. You then spend all night going at it. Everytime you think it’s resolved, and you both laugh it off... somebody brings up something that starts it all over again. By the time it’s resolved, you kiss & make up and even get turned on by all the raw emotions...your alarm clock goes off, the kids start waking up and you find yourself thinking “I should’ve just went to sleep”.

I could only watch half way of the movie because Malcom was too much for me. Honestly, was rooting that Zendaya’s character broke up with him.

You know what bugs me about how this movie was marketed? It was billed as, and I quote, ‘not a love story, but a story about love’. And from the second Malcolm calls Marie crazy for feeling the way she does, I was like ‘oh, so this is about abuse’. And then it just got worse and worse. The bathroom scene was so emotionally upsetting to me that I had to take a break. I turned off the movie and came back with a cocktail in hand because at that point I needed something to calm me down. It was so emotionally upsetting to me. And... did anyone get major whiplash when he went from hurling abuse to broad digressions on the nature of film? Its like... okay Malcolm and Marie, are you going to be a movie about an abusive argument or a think piece on film critique? The movie needed to pick a lane and stick with it instead of swerving back and forth.

Yeah, Malcolm was manic the entire time. Marie was deadly. I kept wanting her to walk outside and drive away leaving his ass alone forever.

Fun Fact: The movie was inspired by Sam Levinson’s argument he had with his wife. If that doesn’t say anything I don’t know what does.

When I watch a film I want There to be a mystery, entertainment, or as escapism. This film reminder that I chose my friends and partners wisely I have no patience for toxicity. The film was emotionally exhausting and not my taste , but the acting was great

They seemed hella toxic to me honestly :/ definitely would’ve liked it if they “loved” each other enough to break up with each other in the end. But they stuck around...? Even after all of those low blows they gave each other? That was mad exhausting to witness.

I thought Malcolm complaining about the director was just putting into perspective that he was never going to be satisfied. Which is why Marie was like this is what you do when you get a good review . Which put it into perspective That even when Malcolm Is being praised he finds something to be upset about.. yes it was lengthy but that’s was the take away from that scenes. Which is the reason why she’s was like this is as good as you’ll ever get .

I had the exact same thoughts after finishing this movie! Malcolm didn’t feel like an authentic black filmmaker at all and Sam Levinson just used him to voice his frustrations. Enjoyed the overall performance from John David but I didn’t like how his character was written at all. Anyways great video, loved hearing your take on the film!

I think in the concept of the movie, his age was appropriate becasue he essentially picks this lil girl struggling with addiction to make his "muse" which (added to his annoying creepyness) but also made sense with his narcissitic charaterization

The acting is FANTASTIC! And the way they remember all that dialogue is amazing BUT I dont think i can watch something like this again. I was getting tired of the back n forth tho both were making great points. Like Zendaya said in an interview.."She couldn't be in a relationship like this" lolol. Good film. Sam did a great job writing n directing.

The internet is legit being disrespectful. Zendaya has had to explain several times that this movie was a collaborative effort. They wrote it together and they met several times and discussed the movie. Zendaya talked about this being her first step into producing stuff. I feel like there's some projection here onto the writing.

Yes. I felt that. He wasn’t even talking to me and my feelings were so hurt. When he was talking to marie in the bathtub about his past exes, I was just like “Wow okay 😶😞”

The movie was so good especially since I didn’t know Sam levingson and in the scene where Marie acts like she was still on drugs and was a broken person was literally one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen, I didn’t know if Malcolm was about to die and the suspense lifting when she walked away was incredible

Malcolm & Marie could’ve been excellent if it served as a cautionary tale of age gap relationships. Malcolm's comment about how he helped Marie during her lowest point was a great setup for how a lot of people end up in age-gap relationships. The older person was usually the younger person’s savior and or mentor. Young people always seek guidance, especially if they’re poor, have big dreams they don't know how to accomplish, and or suffering from an affliction. When the young person gets over their issues, they naturally grow closer to the older person. While also feeling indebted. Not to mention the older person may grow a sense of entitlement and feel as though the younger person “owes them.” Once the arguing starts happening, one of the most common points the older person likes to use is, “without me, you’d be nothing!” The younger person is also susceptible to control due to their lack of life experience. At first, it's the little things like how they dress, what foods they should eat, and what they do for entertainment. Then it gradually escalates into being forbidden from befriending anyone of the opposite sex, being told to not speak without permission, and how often they can see their family. A way the older person justifies their control over the younger person is by taking a more parental role by saying, “I know what’s best for you.” Part of the reason why Malcolm & Marie fight so much is because of their age gap. For example, A relationship between a 25-year-old and a 45-year-old is legal. However, it’s obvious who has the most power in the relationship. Not to mention, what would a 25-year-old and a 45-year-old even have in common? The answer is almost nothing. While it's true that opposites attract, if there's no common ground, then the relationship will be superficial and unstable. A 25-year-old and a 45-year-old are on entirely different planes of existence. One of my favorite scenes from the Netflix show, Bojack Horseman, was when Diane explained to Mr. Peanutbutter why so many of his marriages failed. The answer is because he keeps pursuing women in their early 20s. A 25-year-old is not a fully formed adult, no matter what the law says. They're still trying to figure things out and what they want to do with our lives. I doubt many people in their 20s who know what career they want. Whereas most people in their 40s usually have their lives figured out and are comfortable with settling down. The few who don't are usually immature, and immature people in their 40s with money can be dangerous and predatory. This is how age gap relationships can lead to grooming and abuse.

I couldn't watch this movie continuously . I took breaks. It's so raw.

It was horrible and exhausting 😩. I paused it 3 times. Determined to watch because of the actors. Verbal abuse throughout! 🤮

I reallyy loved this film and I couldn't have explained it better myself

It’s only so much neglect and disrespect one can take until they break and let it go. This movie clarified a lot to me and definitely what I wouldn’t want in my life. It really shows how toxic like he pays her no mind but then wants her to stay with him like what it’s honestly heartbreaking like wow geez he was so harsh with her

I agree, it felt like Levinson used Zendaya and John as shields to project and vent out his own frustrations against the critics that don't like his work. The dialogue was so exaggerated that Levinson needs to remember that in film, a lot of the times it's better to "show don't' tell", it reminded me of when I took AP English in my senior year of HS and our teacher had to remind us that while it may be impressive to show our range of diction within our essays, it they are not used the right way it can backfire against us. Apart from the exaggerated dialogue, I don't feel the black and white did anything to add to a film than if it had in color, and there was both underacting and overacting from the 2 cast members that had no chemistry. I know Zendaya is grown at 24 and I don't even care about the age gap, but unfortunately Zendaya still gives off a young vibe, making it hard to buy the already forced dialogue, and that's not meant to be a dig at her or even her own fault, it's just something that is there and hard to explain. I just found your review, and honestly you feel more mature than Zendaya, both in presence and voice, so if you told me you were 24 and not about to be 20 I'd absolutely believe it. Kate Winslet and Leonardo Dicaprio at 22/21 years old in Titanic feel more mature than Zendaya even though she's older than them now, and it's the same reason why Tom Holland, also 24, is believable as a high school kid, even though he's technically "grown". If this is a "me" problem, then fine, but I don't think I'm the only one that feels this way and it certainly affects how we intake the film and performance. Another actress, 20 something or not, would have been better for this role.

Her being an addict made me think of euphoria

I loved the movie, zendaya and John did an amazing job. Malcolm constantly bring up black directors such as Barry Jenkins and spike lee was a little peeving to me. But other than that it was enjoyable.

Girl the fact that you watched this a second time to give us the FIRE review, thank you!♥️ I personally couldn’t get whole it in its entirety and skipped a lot but by sounds of it I didn’t miss much 🙌🏽

It was hard for me to watch, mainly because I thought of someone that reminds me of Malcolm. I was emotionally drained listening to him, esp in the bathroom. He couldn’t stop complaining at all when the article came out either. I took this all personally, but I think it helped me understand it more. (I watched not knowing who sam was)

Firstly,I didn't like how he threw huge verbal blows at her..but she kept coming back with hers too.. 2ndly, I wonder why she seems stuck with him.. the movie was recommended by someone and by the time I was done,I could not believe I sat through all those several 'back and forths',only to ask myself,'wait! What is this movie really about?' Then I had to come to youtube to search and still not satisfied with the reviews. Ok, I sha love the black and white setting and I saw ways not to relate with a partner... Seriously,I'm still surprised I stayed put till the end!

JUST WATCHED THE MOVIE LIKE 2 HOURS AGO AND I WAS WAITING FOR YOUR REVIEW!!!!!

This movie and the performances is Oscar worthy! As soon as it's on DVD I'm buying it.

i loved this movie too!! i actually looked at some reviews before watching which almost dissuaded me from even starting it, but i watched it all in one sitting and was amazed. it reminded me of my two favorite episodes of euphoria, the quarantine episodes that are just long extended conversations. one of the criticism i saw said that "it's just the same fight they keep having over and over again,' which, yeah, i think that was the point? i've definitely had arguments where it just feels like we keep circling back to the same thing and the "resolutions" only serve as minor breaks from the overarching fight. anyway, i loved this movie and really liked your review!

I love how I could really feel for the both of them because there are multiple narratives throughout the whole film. At first I was really angry at Malcolm because I viewed him as a really selfish and conceited guy but as the storyline progressed, I realized how problematic Marie was. But at the end, all I saw was how they made the dynamic work regardless of their differences. Malcolm still apologized and thanked her and it was a new day. Even if they had a very hectic, exhausting night, they still faced the world together by morning. It's very reflective of how real-life relationships work minus most of the drama. And as cliche as it sounds, love and compromise still conquered all and then there was a new tomorrow for them to face together. The story continues even after the movie ends just as how the story took place even before the movie actually started. It really was just as how it was advertised. It wasn't a love story. It was a story of love. It was raw and real. It was genius.

Thank you for explaining the criticism Sam was getting. Loved the movie!

It reminded me of my parent's marriage and idk it wasn't horrible it just felt normal and it was weird because movies with couples are very extra but this movie was just realistic in a way I was like yeah they not about to stop fighting

I didn't watch the movie yet. I don't mind spoilers. Just wanted to watch a new video from one of my favorite RU-vidrs. I love your nails btw.

So, I just watched this movie the other night. I knew Sam Levinson wrote/directed/produced Euphoria & was like, “Oh, okay. He must like Zendaya a lot.” However, I decided to look up Sam Levinson because I didn’t know what he looked like & in the moment there was a line that made me question some things & it was in that second monologue of Malcom’s. I was surprised to find Sam Levinson is white at first but then as I’m processing it all, I’m like, “Oh, he’s making this commentary of Malcom’s about him.” I’m really glad that you kinda confirmed my suspicions on that. As someone currently working through a relationship like Malcom/Marie’s, I did enjoy the movie as it brought up some emotions. I wished both of them were at least nominated but the Academy is shit.

Best review of this movie I've seen. They actually talked about the movie while addressing Sam. Instead of just ranting.

you ate this review up!! when i watched, i just thought about the exact same thing

Hey, I've listened to a few reviews on Malcolm & Marie. First time here! This was incredible, and you're only 20! Great job

i agree 100% with what you said in this video, all the way down to the soundtrack. when 'in a sentimental mood' and 'i forgot to be your lover' came on, i was transported away

I keep coming back to the Sam vs. Malcolm issue and I keep thinking of an q&a Zendaya did with Carey Mulligan and she mentioned how Sam wrote this piece by piece with Zendaya. I have to wonder if both Zen and JDavid would have had a lot of signoff on content and they would not have been blind or deaf to any racial bias, is what I would imagine. But I could also be wrong. Really well done though, I enjoyed what you had to say

I felt like being in a toxic relationship rly was the reason the movie hit so hard but also, having parents who are in a toxic relationship and seeing it all from a whole other perspective than being in one also adds onto how I perceived the film. It was frustrating and uncomfortable but that’s exactly how I feel in my household. Especially when they would go from screaming and shouting to being more calm and going back and forth- it confuses the audience on how to perceive it, how to feel with all that chaos. Personally, I loved the film bc it was the first to connect with how I feel at home, as an outsider watching the toxic relationship play out.

I felt like malcolm and marie is one and half hour of marriage story fight scene with great musics

0/10, I accidentally fell asleep and they were arguing. I woke up they were still arguing. In the middle of a panoramic I’m not trying to see the same scene of a couple arguing for almost 2 hours 🙃

I loved this review. I definitely wish you would’ve kept talking!

I started watching at 11 o’clock and I had to leave at midnight to get a cup of tea. It was too much. I loved it

commenting again and my, you are so well articulated. You just explained everything so well.

I felt like I was in the movie, the movie is a beauty.

I agree with you so much, he was really hurting her, but they came through it

As soon as In A Sentimental Mood started playing I closed my eyes and went away 😭😭😭

I loved your take on Sam Levison! I’d never noticed that before, but I for sure agree!

Rarely will watching a review of someone giving a review will feel satisfying and watchable. You have yourself a new subscriber sophie😁

you look beautiful in this video !!!

my fav movie, it shows how real relationships are, both of them are equally guilty and they love each other enough to not walk out cuz of one big or small fight and know that they will stick by each other's side, not one moment in this movie it is suggested that they are going to breakup, thats how strong they are, this movie is great at showing how complex relationships are and that both of them can be wrong and right at the same time, and how you have multiple fights about different things in the same night after making up again and again and lead to the same original point in the end, it shows how emotionally damaged Marie is, how it can make them like this, I know it too well, what Maries situation is and malcom is a great person, he was there for her but just one small but important thing can ruin a big night like this.

Addressing the "Black Representation" in the movie, Levinson started it about a personal experience he had in the past. However Zendaya and John David Washington were also producers of this film and they had a lot of input into the scripts and dialogue.

its such a pretentious movie. its a rich yuppy movie. the characters are not likeable. its a regressive movie. zendaya and john david play the same people every movie. bland. and over all, bad pretentious movie that tries to be deep, but is extremely shallow.

Never have I ever seen a RU-vidr so pretty I followed for just that, until I saw you!

I gotta say, you really get what makes this movie great. I'm only a bit sad that you didn't mention the amazing camera work from Marcell Rév. And even though i agree with most of your points, even your critique i just want to throw something in. John David and Zendaya both stated several times that Sam didn't write the script completely on his own. He often consulted them about it so i find it very difficult to pinpoint if the frustration of Malcolm and that of Sam are really that close together or if Sam had originally planned it to be different only to change it due to input from Zendaya, John David and maybe others that were involved.

It's a good movie and I love the length of the characters introspection and mirroring of each other in their insecurities .... but I just felt like Zendaya was not very convincing or experienced enough for this type of role.

I watched the review then I watched it. I kept pushing it. The first half was awesome, I was hoping for a real resolve but where the movie ended, I knew they went right back to it, fighting and malcom hitting below the belt. After watching them for 15 minutes, Malcolm was the abuser but he had dependency issues. He needs Marie but all through the movie, I never understood why Marie stayed. Not only that, she actually took care of him. The review that I watched said if you've watched Euphoria, Marie is Rue, Rue grew up and it didn't register until the end of the movie.

This movie is a trigger for me - Malcom and Marie are my parents. They are both dead now, but were married for 44 years, and had THESE type of knock down, drag out arguments in front of me ALLLLL THE TIME! They were soooooooo toxic and it really messed me up for yearsssssss of my life. Thank God for therapy and Jesus, it took a lot of both for me to get SANE 😫

I was wondering why I felt so off during the rants Malcolm had, but you definitely hit it right on the mark. It is extremely weird and upsetting to use a Black man and a Black couple to vent out white frustrations

Sam Levinson is so talented. Everything he does is BEAUTIFUL. Because he uses real film. Nothing is digital it’s all on Kodak film. So, this and Euphoria are visually stunning.

As a kid this movie just had me in amazement at every point from the arguments to everything else it just opened my eyes

The thing you said about film critics is very true... my brain is very impressionable when they use the funnie movie words

I felt like the script was too wordy. It didn't sound natural.

I agree with everything you said sophielovexo. I understand the personalization that Sam sam Levinson is bringing to his projects and that he is utilizing black actors/actresses to portray his very real-life experiences, but for me, there is a disconnect between his characters in both Europhia and now with Malcolm and Marie because you are using actors who are not known for drug addictions and although they are brilliant in their delivery, the depth of going through a thing is missing. And in Malcolm and Marie, I see Sam's story in both characters. Just some thoughts. Thank you for your honest unbiased review.

Lol to " my subconscious is so fucking weak" #metoo 🤣🤣🤣👏🏽

The acting was good. I thought it was beautifully shot....but it was just too repetitive for me. I got everything I needed in 30 min. And the film just does that again.....and again.

I loved everything you said! I’m sad that I listened to reviews instead of actually watching it first bc the reviews was way harsher than I think it should’ve been. But I understood them. If that make sense. I totally agree w the sam part. It was just hard to watch bc of how damn narcissistic Malcolm was and I think that’s where a lot of the hate for the film came from. I LOVED the music though. The shots were incredible. I feel like it was a little too long. What malcom said in his monologues did make sense though and I understand it a lot( coming from a black person) overall I totally think this was an amazing movie.

EXCELLENT fucking review.

I personally think Malcolm’s character is a Dichotomy of Sam, Zendaya & John because they all had hands in the writing of the film.

First I think this movie should’ve been a short film, like 40 mins not damn near 2 hours. The acting was good, Z did an ok job but I didn’t really believe her. The only time I believed her was the scene with the knife that’s the only time I was like yes that was great acting. The dialogue was extremely long and annoying at times. I was hearing Malcolm but I wasn’t really listening to him. He was talking like 100 words a minute. And she should’ve left him because why would you allow your man to talk to you like that and belittle you and then use your trauma against you like that’s weird. All in all I gave the movie 2.5 stars. Z needs to stop playing drug addicts/recovering drug addict because she’s going to get typed casted. ✌🏾peace

I love your unbiased expression of this film! ❤️✔️

From a viewer with little information on films (myself), I had a couple things I noticed about this movie. *Spoilers* For one, I ft like this movie was originally a short-film that they decided to make into an almost 2-hour movie. Something about the story line gave me short-film vibes. I feel the movie was black and white so you would pay attention more to the mood and details you may miss in color. You don’t need to focus on the outfits and the DETAILS in the house. You just need to see that they’re IN the house and it’s night time. Part of me felt like I was a third-wheel watching my friend have a continuous fight with her boyfriend. Which could have been the idea to make it feel familiar to the viewer. Malcolm is a narcissistic, insecure and verbally abusive man who seems to prey on women who he feels *inspire* and *need* him. He really said hurtful things to Marie and it seems Bryce been together for a while (at least since she was 20) and with some of the things said, it appears she’s growing into her own identity and realizing the relationship for what it is instead of what it appeared to be. Both actors were great in this movie with their performances!

You know for someone who claims not to be a film critic. You’re really good at it. This was well thought out. Spoken clearly and with honesty. So, good job on that front. Also I was wondering what your thoughts were on the directors response to The Who white writer/director discussion? To summarize it as basically he aloud Zendaya and John to suggest changes to dialogue and other things of that nature. Just wondered what you thought of that.

What part was Sam Levinson and what part is Malcolm A👏🏾 BLACK👏🏾 MAN👏🏾!!!! Levinson expressing his issues with hollywood thru this black man is a PROBLEM!!!! I agree with this so much! Sam Levinson is my ONLY ISSUE with this film... literally!!!

I watched the movie without knowing who sam was and malcoms rants made sense to me. So maybe that is the point. Take the film in as you see it happening before your eyes. Believe the characters would say something like this or would act in a certain way bc the movie is convincing you that that is who they are. People feel wierd about malcom bc they hear sam, but then again even maries words are Sam's sot i dont know where that leaves us...anyway i loved the movie and yes watching so many bad reviews of it made me feel like I was missing something or that my whole experience with the movie was wrong bc i did not know the context0

She nailed my overall consensus in the first 10 seconds 🎯

Malcolm and Marie it's probably no it is the best dialogue I have ever heard I love to watch movies and I pay attention to dialogue and I must admit well done Washington probably his best work so far that young lady no apologize that woman her work such a far cry from a Spider-Man movie love her range hands down a hell of a roll by her Malcolm & marie is probably the best movie I've seen in the last 10 years

thank you for not reading reviews before expressing your thoughts! I felt the same exact way!! critics have been weirdly hard on this movie, but I totally loved it for all the reasons you gave. and my one critique was the same as yours. I actually went back to check if someone else helped him write the movie because it felt so odd that he was commenting on what it’s like to be a black filmmaker in Hollywood so explicitly, and he’s... so white. I really like him as a director, but that jumped out to me too. subscribed for more! 🖤

I really enjoyed this film! It felt like a modern version of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” I do think sometimes it didn’t always hit and was like 10 minutes too long but the performances were great. Also on the sam levinson bit. totally understand and felt that, but i also know that zendaya and john david washington had a lot of input on the story so I really feel like those dialogues came from them more than sam.

Great review !! Perhaps a tad bit assuming to say Levinson was expressing personal beef with the industry but nevertheless .. Im glad you enjoyed this as much as I did .. It was brillant , in my opinion

Absolutely loved the film! Throughout the whole thing though I couldn’t help but be annoyed at how similar Marie’s character was to Rue from Euphoria. I know that both San Levinson & Zendaya were behind this film so I wasn’t surprised; just a tad bit disappointed because I wanted to see something different from them, a challenge if you will. I also couldn’t help but think about how different the film & it’s allegorical message would hit if Marie was played by an unambiguous fully black woman. The stereotypical light skin woman, dark skin man pairing was quite annoying to see AGAIN. other than that, it was great! I also loved your commentary, much love

Great review. You are very much a film critic!

Just getting to other reviews after posting my own today. I did watch one interview by Levinson because of similar concerns, and it seems like he was going for some kind of even-handed approach. It's just hard to know for sure because things are tilted so far in Marie's favor because of those low blows...but not everyone may see it that way. The movie's just all over the place, but I really enjoyed it, too