I’m probably one of the few “critics” who isn’t offended by the biggest point of contention in director Sam Levinson’s (Euphoria, Assassination Nation) stylishly enthralling romantic drama, Malcolm & Marie: the point being “critic bashing” or, “how criticism kills art.” While I can’t fully agree with that outlook (because my job would be rendered useless if so), I tend to agree with the bigger picture here: sometimes art for art’s sake, without the need for a “message,” is good enough. That said, if you’re looking for a whirlwind of sharp monologues, snazzy music, and a story that exists purely for artistic expression, then you’ll find a lot to love in Malcolm & Marie.

Once upon a time in Malibu, Malcolm (John David Washington) and his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) return from an after-party of the premiere of his feature film. What was supposed to be a celebratory night of debauchery turns into a marathon all-nighter of introspective conversation about art, inspiration, and what it all means as the couple bicker about things in and out of their control, specifically the pending critics reviews.

The “arrogant director” and “overlooked muse” trope is on full display, as Malcolm and Marie bounce from room to room, hurling monologues at each other that border on verbal abuse, or as Marie puts it, “emotional fucking terrorism.” Perhaps they’re releasing the night’s pent-up anxiety, or maybe they’re finally letting go of built-up resentment but either way, they take it out on each other. He can’t stand her neediness and she won’t be his manic pixie dream girl any longer; but once the sun starts to rise on their emotionally taxing night, both of their inflated egos shrivel in the dawn of a new day.

The deft, meaty script is accredited to Levinson as well and is worth dissecting and re-visiting like a graduate thesis paper.

Malcolm & Marie is heavily music-driven, propelled by the talent of Euphoria‘s music supervisor Jen Malone. In addition to music by British singer-songwriter Timothy Lee McKenzie aka Labrinth, tracks like Dionne Warwick’s “Get Rid of Him” provide further context into the emotional state of our protagonists.

The music is balanced out by the non-stop monologues, which the film delivers in spades. The deft, meaty script is accredited to Levinson as well and is worth dissecting and re-visiting like a graduate thesis paper. Shot entirely during the pandemic, Malcolm & Marie leans into this pressure cooker of emotional energy. Taking place in one location and with only two actors, the weight of the film rests solely on Washington and Zendaya who each give electrifying, passionate performances.

Levinson’s not so subtle hint to his critics, via his mouthpiece Malcolm, is this: Critics sap the world of its mystery by trying to explain everything, and in their search for a “message,” they miss the emotion. Malcolm & Marie is an artfully strong clap back to some of Levinson’s own critics, and an equally impressive film for anyone who appreciates the beauty of pure artistic expression.

Distributed by Netflix, Malcolm & Marie is available to stream on Netflix today, February 5, 2021.