Performance Review: ‘Malcolm & Marie’
Labeled “one of the final unseen films with awards season potential” by Deadline, Sam Levinson’s Malcolm & Marie houses some strong performances from Zendaya and John David Washington. As they are the only actors to appear onscreen in the film, which was shot during the pandemic, the feature also serves as a showcase for both of the actors. All 106 minutes of it take place over the course of one evening after Malcolm (Washington), a filmmaker, returns home with his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) from the premiere of his latest movie. An argument quickly ensues because he forgot to acknowledge Marie in his thank-you speech, a misstep made worse by the fact that much of the film was inspired by her life. Keep reading for our take on how the thespians did in their respective roles for this relationship drama that’s already generating some Oscar buzz.
Zendaya
IndieWire suggests that Zendaya’s performance in Malcolm & Marie could put her in the Best Actress race for this year’s Academy Awards, and we couldn’t agree more. The actor just made Emmy history last year for being the youngest ever Best Actress in a Drama Series winner for her work in Levinson’s HBO series Euphoria. Time will tell if Zendaya adds an Oscar statuette to her awards collection, but we can tell you right now that her performance in Malcolm & Marie puts on display like none before in the incredible depth and range that the young actor possesses. “I wanted Marie to start out more reserved so you’re not quite sure about her, and then over time you realize what a force she is,” Levinson said when describing his vision for the character. And the actor delivered. At the beginning of the film, you sense her quiet strength as well as the anger she holds tightly controlled. When it comes time for her to unleash that anger following some low blows from Malcolm during their argument, Zendaya’s delivery as Marie is both fierce and focused. You believe that she’s overcome a dark past, that she’s a fighter and a survivor of addiction. Marie holds herself with dignity, a quality she doesn’t lose when later revealing to her partner the depth of her hurt, which relates to being overlooked in more ways than one. Zendaya makes the role a beautifully complex character and delivers work that is definitely worthy of an Oscar nod.
John David Washington
Washington gives a memorable performance as well, and Variety calls it his “best work yet.” Unfortunately, we’re not sure if it’ll land him in the Best Actor race. Levinson shared that he wanted Washington’s character to be “more in line with Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, where he’s screaming and using the space.” Washington certainly exudes a very Stanley-like presence in the sense that he fills every room into which he walks. The actor is alive and present from scene to scene, almost buzzing with energy that seems to come from a very real place. As the viewer, you can almost feel it emitting from the screen. It’s solid work, but the performance ultimately feels one-note because Washington pretty much stays in that heightened state throughout the film. He may not have been given as much of a character arc to work with as Zendaya, who masterfully played all the highs and lows of Marie.
Netflix releases Malcolm & Marie on February 5, at which time you can decide for yourself if you feel Zendaya and Washington gave performances that should land them in the Oscar race. Until then, the trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s world. It teases, “This is not a love story … this is the story of love.”
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