"Malcolm & Marie"

 2021 1h 46min Starring John David Washington and Zendaya

This film could easily have been titled "Night of the Livid Rant". A filmmaker and his girlfriend return home from the premier of his latest movie. Thus begins a whole night of alcohol-fueled  observations and diatribes. The topics cover everything from film critics and their erudite reviews, race relations, Hollywood, to selfishness and ultimately their own relationship. While Marie lets Malcolm do a majority of the venting, she's a master at responding with the perfect observations, barbs, and witticisms. It's quite a tour de force of acting on both their parts, and while it does get exhausting at times, it's ultimately a rewarding experience. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it was originally staged as a play--it has that vibe to it. 

4 out of 5 stars