Marriage Story

      Interesting title for a film that starts out with a couple beginning divorce proceedings. Nicole is an actress who prefers the west coast and is filming a TV pilot and Charlie is a stage director about to open a show on Broadway. They have an eight year old son named Henry and for undisclosed reasons (at first), we learn almost immediately that they planning a divorce and will live bi coastal sharing time with Henry. 

      As the story progresses, we learn more about the marriage and why they are getting divorced. What starts out amicable with a mediator soon turns sour when actual lawyers get involved. What follows is complex, heartbreaking, raw and even humorous at times, but always emotionally real.

      Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, this is an honest examination of two people that have reached a breaking point in their lives. Scarlett Johansson plays Nicole and Adam Driver plays Charlie. Their chemistry together is undeniable. Ms. Johansson is terrific and deserves a best actress nomination but Mr. Driver takes his role to another level. He is just amazing and will definitely be nominated with a good shot at a best actor award.

               The film co-stars Laura Dern, Ray Liotta, and Alan Alda as various lawyers employed by Nicole and Charlie. Ms. Dern is excellent as always but her character is very similar to the role she played on HBO's "Big Little Lies". Mr Liotta is terrific as the high priced definition of a shark and Mr. Alda does wonders as a lawyer with a warmer, friendlier approach. Azhy Robertson plays the son, Henry, wise beyond his eight years. Also co-starring are Julie Hagerty as Nicole's mother and Merritt Wever as her sister.

               Mr. Baumbach has made some excellent films over the years but this is his best yet.