No. 114. (2019) MARRIAGE STORY. December 29th.

Film No 114 (2019) December 29th.  7:00 AM  NETFLIX,  the comfort of home, Mt. Hawthorn. 

"Charlie and I are getting a divorce mum, you can't be friends with him any more". (Nicole is insistent that her mum Sandra start taking her side in every way).

A wonderful film about a not so wonderful topic; the story of the divorce of two good people, with their only child, Henry (Azhy Robertson) the common focus of their unreserved love. Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) are the ultimate example of a successful performing arts couple. They live in New York and have what would seem to be an idyllic life. Thousands of artists would hanker for all that Charlie and Nicole have. But things change. We're only privy to the breakdown of the relationship via the build up to an expensive (for both) settlement which ultimately defines the phrase, "there are no winners". The sharply written screenplay leaves us in no doubt as to why we empathise with both and understand why they are so heartbroken, but at the same time powerless to solve their split self sufficiently. There is hardly a flaw in MS. It will surely divide audiences, particularly those who can relate intimately with Nicole and Charley's plight. There is a subtle balance to Noah Baumback's work here. Taking people's emotional core then moulding it with care and precision without his audience feeling invaded takes great skill. I'm predicting an original screenplay Oscar for his efforts here. Marriage Story may even take away the ultimate Academy Award. 11GUMS.