Critics love and audiences are mixed on this HBO mini-series, of 5 1-hour episodes, but everyone can agree on the captivating acting from Chastain & Isaac. There is great direction, good editing and palpable emotional scenes BUT... the story begins to disintegrate as it goes IMHO. This series has the feel of a theatrical play. The focus is on interaction between 2 characters, primarily filmed in one setting, the home. Each episode starts with us watching the actor walk from backstage onto the set and morph into their role, which was interesting. There's a definite and obvious agenda in the first episode (interracial, polyamorous couple, girl on girl kiss, etc.) that seems forced and out of place, especially because it doesn't add to the story, and mostly disappears after the first episode, thankfully, because the couple was annoying. This series is a character deep dive into a dysfunctional marriage where the couple is miserable/unhealthy but can't quit each other. At times it's very difficult to watch the choices, reactions, and dialog used. Sometimes so realistic and other times over-the-top and ridiculous. The acting keeps you hooked, but the characters just aren't likable. The last episode seems to be going well and you have some hope and then feel let down again. I hope people aren't really this messed up and emotionally bankrupt. There are some redeeming moments in this mini-series as they start to explore waning love, the permanent effects of selfish choices, and regrets in a marriage, but there are also a lot of irrational and melodramatic choices made. Depressing. Toxic. (TV-MA for language, adult content, nudity, explicit s*x scene and lots of wine lol)
Review of Scenes from a Marriage
Scenes from a Marriage
(2021)
Watch for the amazing acting, not the twisted view of marriage.
14 October 2021