Sometimes a film about the breakdown of a relationship can feel too raw, but this one strikes a delicate balance between heartbreaking and deeply humane. Directed by Noah and starring Scarlett and Adam, this 2019 drama is set in modern-day New York and Los Angeles, capturing the emotional and legal turbulence of a marriage unraveling. The genre is a hybrid of drama and romance, but it’s far from your typical love story. It’s about the love that remains even when a relationship ends, the pain of separation, and the messy, often excruciating process of divorce.
At its core, the film follows Charlie, a successful theater director in New York, and his wife Nicole, an actress who once thrived under his direction but now seeks her own path. The story begins with their mutual decision to divorce, though they each have different perspectives on what led them to that point. Nicole moves to Los Angeles with their young son Henry to pursue her own career, while Charlie stays in New York, clinging to his professional life. The plot centers on their attempts to navigate co-parenting, the legal battles over custody, and the emotional fallout of ending a marriage that still holds remnants of love, however fractured. As the process drags on, both characters are forced to confront their own failures, desires, and the harsh realities of trying to move forward while being tethered to the past.
One of the most powerful aspects of this film is the acting, particularly the performances by Scarlett and Adam. Their portrayals of Nicole and Charlie are nothing short of mesmerizing. Adam, playing the emotionally restrained but passionate Charlie, delivers some of his finest work. His character slowly unravels as the legal battle intensifies, and his performance is both subtle and explosive when required. One particular scene, where Charlie and Nicole have an argument in a sterile apartment, stands out as a masterclass in acting. The way Adam transitions from quiet desperation to raw fury is a testament to his range, while Scarlett matches him moment for moment. As Nicole, Scarlett is vulnerable yet assertive, capturing the complexity of a woman trying to reclaim her identity after feeling lost in her marriage. Her character’s evolution from someone who sacrifices for her husband to someone who fights for her own independence is portrayed with great nuance, and it’s impossible not to empathize with both characters, even when they’re at their worst.
Noah’s direction is another standout element. He brings a level of authenticity to the film that makes it feel almost like a documentary at times. The dialogue is natural and unforced, allowing the characters’ emotions to unfold organically rather than being driven by the plot. The decision to structure the film around the legal aspects of divorce—meetings with lawyers, court hearings, and mediation—adds a level of tension and realism. Laura, who plays Nicole’s sharp and somewhat ruthless lawyer Nora, and Ray, who plays Charlie’s old-school, world-weary lawyer Bert, provide fantastic support in these legal scenes. They represent the legal system’s cold, businesslike approach to marriage dissolution, adding a stark contrast to the emotional intensity of the personal moments. Noah’s ability to weave together these two worlds—the intimate and the bureaucratic—is what makes the film so impactful.
Visually, the film is equally compelling. Cinematographer Robbie captures both New York and Los Angeles with contrasting palettes, reflecting the emotional states of the characters. New York is shown in cooler tones, emphasizing the rigid, structured life Charlie clings to, while Los Angeles is bathed in warmer, sunlit colors, representing Nicole’s new beginning. The cinematography is never flashy, but it is deeply effective in conveying the characters’ emotional landscapes. The tight framing in many scenes adds to the sense of suffocation both characters feel—trapped not only by the legal system but by the memories of their marriage. The use of long takes, especially during arguments or emotional confrontations, adds a sense of immediacy and discomfort, forcing the audience to sit with the characters through their pain.
The music, composed by Randy, is another subtle yet crucial aspect of the film’s emotional impact. His score is delicate and restrained, often allowing silence or ambient noise to take over in key moments. The music complements the film’s tone without ever overpowering it. Rather than manipulating the audience’s emotions, the score acts as a quiet companion to the story, allowing the performances and dialogue to carry the emotional weight. This minimalist approach works particularly well in a film that is so focused on the raw, unfiltered emotions of its characters.
One of the film’s most striking themes is the idea that love and hurt are inextricably linked, especially in long-term relationships. Noah doesn’t shy away from showing how both Nicole and Charlie are still deeply connected, even as they fight tooth and nail for custody of their son. Their shared history, their love for Henry, and even their lingering affection for each other make the divorce process all the more painful. The film never takes sides—both characters are flawed, and both are sympathetic. This balanced portrayal is one of the film’s greatest strengths; it allows the audience to see the tragedy of the situation without casting either party as the villain. There’s a quiet truth in the way the film depicts the gradual erosion of a relationship, showing that sometimes love isn’t enough to sustain a marriage.
The film also touches on the broader, more systemic issues surrounding divorce and the legal system. The way the characters are forced to weaponize their personal lives in court—turning moments of vulnerability into strategic leverage—feels painfully real. Nora’s advice to Nicole about how to present herself as a “perfect” mother in court, and Bert’s worn-out cynicism about the system, highlight how divorce often becomes less about the people involved and more about who can present the better case. It’s a sobering commentary on how the legal system can exacerbate the pain of divorce, rather than alleviating it.
In the end, the film is a devastating yet tender exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of family. It’s a film that doesn’t offer easy answers or a neatly tied-up resolution. Instead, it lingers in the messiness of human relationships, showing how people who once loved each other deeply can inflict the most pain. This is not a film for those looking for a feel-good romantic comedy; it’s a raw, emotional experience that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
If you appreciate films that delve into the intricacies of human relationships and aren’t afraid to tackle difficult emotions, this one is a must-watch. It’s a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant film with exceptional performances and a story that feels achingly real.
