Marriage Story

When I last wrote, we had returned to New York and Barry was embarking on a week of teaching his course to a group of radiation oncology residents in Israel. He was up well before the crack of dawn every morning this past week, which left us both fairly exhausted, so we were happy not to leave the house all weekend.

It is quite amazing how one can, these days, without getting all dressed in warm winter clothing and heading out into the cold, see a new film right in the comfort of our own family room. So, although it is playing at a number of theaters in New York, we chose to watch it the new film, “Marriage Story,” on Netflix.

It probably comes as no surprise that this is not a happily-ever-after tale. This Noah Baumbach story follows the two main characters, actress Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and theater director Charlie (Adam Driver) Barber through the dissolution of their once seemingly happy marriage. It is not a pretty story, and it is particularly painful to watch the impact on their young son, Henry, played by Azhy Robertson. As the film opens, Nicole is offered a role in a television series and takes off for Los Angeles with their son, while Charlie remains in New York where he is about to open a new play.

It is no surprise that this does not work as a long-term arrangement, but things between the two of them grow quite ugly. I suppose it is a tribute to the writing and acting that it is rather painful to watch the dissolution of what had seemed a reasonable relationship. After a year of shuttling between New York and Los Angeles, Charlie takes on a directing role in Los Angeles, and although by then Nicole has already moved in with a new partner, there is at least some hope that they will be able to maintain a civil enough relationship to be decent parents to Henry.

Have a great week.

Love,

Rebecca