Marriage Story

Do I think there's another story to tell about the end of wedded bliss beyond Kramer vs. Kramer on film and Company on Broadway?

Based on Marriage Story, I do.

The film opens on the marriage of stage director Charlie (Adam Driver) and actor Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) before revealing the very conscious uncoupling that follows.

They share an 8-year-old son, Henry (Azhy Robertson) so it’s clear early on that it’s not going to be easy to watch, despite the occasional laughs and real-life screwball moments. The screening I attended passed out promotional tissues before the film.

Writer and director by Noah Baumbach (Frances Ha, The Squid and the Whale) gives the film’s setting a clever supporting role. It’s not just a battle of the sexes; it’s a battle of east and west coasts. Johansson’s character and son leave Brooklyn for Los Angeles where “you can’t beat the space,” and the film is told through both environments.

The real reason this film plays so well, other than the impressive leads, is the fairness the script gives to all characters. Everyone’s view is correct, based on their situation. You have sympathy for everyone. You place blame on everyone.

Well, sympathy for everyone except the lawyers of course. Laura Dern plays Nora, Nicole’s tough attorney who faces Alan Alda, one of Charlie’s attorneys. Ray Liotta plays the other one, Charlie’s “jerk of his own.”

This film has a limited theatrical release before going to Netflix. If you miss Adam Driver's “being alive” scene on the big screen — that’s on you. This is one of the best films of 2019.

In a nutshell: An expertly crafted family drama with some big movie moments, coming to a TV near you soon.

Award potential: Expect nominations for Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Actor (Driver), Actress(Johanson), and Supporting Actress (Dern). The actors have never been better, but the real fight is going against the stars of Judy and Joker.

The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.