Pieces of a Woman
Synopsis
A young married couple navigate through grief, their crumbling marriage and a legal trial against a midwife following a failed home-birth of their newborn child.
Review
Pieces of a Woman is a raw and unflinching portrayal of loss and grief and the numerous challenges that come along with it. The film boasts of an impressive and immersive long take opening sequence of the aforementioned home-birth that acts as an amazing hook for the narrative.
I have seen numerous complaints of the film with it’s inability to maintain the momentum thereafter. Yes, it is definitely a slow burn and the story takes time to unfold and further develop but I ultimately view it as realistic turn of events with regards to coping with grief and the loss of a loved one.
At times uncomfortable to watch, the film rests on the shoulders of Vanessa Kirby, who through a career-defining performance, painfully walks the path of agony to the one of acceptance.
In addition, Shia LaBeouf turns in another powerhouse performance in a brilliant mixture of anger and sadness, thereby being an amazing companion to Kirby.
Further compliments should be given to the unique screenplay, it’s framing device, beautiful cinematography, numerous visual imagery and symbolism that provides a heartfelt payoff in the end.
Malcolm & Marie
Synopsis
Returning from an auspicious film premiere, the relationship of a young filmmaker and his girlfriend is tested through the course of a night.
Review
Notable for being the first film to carry out production during the pandemic, Malcolm & Marie is undoubtedly an achievement. Set in a sole location, and featuring two actors should be a promising endeavor, but ends up with mixed results.
John David Washington and Zendaya shine in their respective roles, both delivering moving and impactful performances, that dips in and out of humor and serious moments, and convey the feeling of being in a fractured relationship. The actors succeed in making the most of a script that should have better served their performances.
The script appears to have an identity crisis, as it is muddled and desires to address too many topics and themes in one go (hopping from one theme and plot point to the next), and ends up in a repetitive pattern in order to do so.
It fails to juggle and balance between it’s many themes such as the toxic nature of the titular characters’ relationship, the dark side of creative authorship, the pursuit of one’s dreams and ambitions, and the questioning of one’s worth, in both personal and professional fronts.
Possibly aiming to be a piece that might be studied in future film theory classes, Malcolm & Marie adds a layer of critique centered around the current practices of Hollywood and the racial representation in the industry, and ironically ends up critiquing film critics itself.
While not able to reach the heights of similar films such as Revolutionary Road, Marriage Story and Before Midnight, the film shot in grainy black and white, nonetheless is gorgeous to look at, and presents a powerful talent showcase for the two leads, which are the best elements of the film.
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