Malcolm & Marie 2021

Movie · 106 min · English · February 5, 2021

Directed by Sam LevinsonWritten by Sam Levinson

Starring Zendaya, John David Washington

A 2021 American black-and-white romantic drama film, Malcolm & Marie was written, co-produced, and directed by Sam Levinson. Starring Zendaya and John David Washington, who also served as producers alongside American musician Kid Cudi, the story centers on a writer-director and his girlfriend whose relationship faces strain during the night of his latest film’s premiere. Revelations about their personal lives emerge throughout the film. This project marked the first Hollywood feature entirely written, financed, and produced during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with filming occurring secretly in June and July 2020.

The movie had a limited release on January 29, 2021, followed by a digital release on February 5, 2021 through Netflix. Critics gave the film mixed reviews; many commended Zendaya and Washington's performances and chemistry, as well as Levinson's direction, although his screenplay received criticism. Some reviewers noted the twelve-year age gap between the two actors portraying the main characters. For her role, Zendaya earned a Best Actress nomination at the 26th Critics' Choice Awards.