Directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro) from a screenplay he co-wrote with Will Arnett & Mark Chappell, the film shows a couple who is having difficulties during their long-term marriage – 20 years. The story by Will Arnett & Mark Chappell & John Bishop shows the audience when Alex Novak (Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern) agree to separate as it is unraveling. They say nothing to their best friends, Balls (Cooper) and Christine (Andra Day) as they navigate the change in their life.
Will Arnett and Laura Dern shine in this film and their chemistry works to make the audience feel as if this is an authentic couple in a long relationship. Nothing feels forced. Cooper’s work shows through as both partners are shown to deserve empathy. Dern’s performance in “Marriage Story” is one where she won an Oscar.
Alex’s mom and dad are played by Christine Ebersole and Ciarán Hinds and are also great in their supporting roles. They are humorous as they are trying to understand why there is a separation from each other and why he is spending time doing comedy. One sentence from the film that likely will be remembered is by Alex’s mom (Ebersole) as seen in the trailer.
As the story evolves, the audience sees how Alex goes through the process of being with another woman. While Alex turns to comedy, Tess returns to volleyball as a coach, having been a former Olympics competitor. Tess meets up with a former coach (Eli Manning).
The film’s story may not appeal to all ages. It certainly can appeal to mature audiences.
Synopsis: As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.
Also starring Sean Hayes, Reggie Conquest, Chloe Radcliffe, Amy Sedaris, Scott Icenogle
Rating: R for language throughout, sexual references, and some drug use. 2025, 124 mins.
The film is in limited release in theaters after screening at the Austin Film Festival, but is set to open in Austin theaters in early January.
Source: Searchlight Pictures
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