Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
All-too-real divorce drama isn't kid stuff; strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Marriage Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a powerful exploration of divorce that resonates deeply with audiences due to its relatable storytelling and exceptional performances. While the mature content, including strong language and brief sexual scenes, may not be suitable for younger viewers, many feel it is essential viewing for older teens to understand the complexities of family dynamics during challenging times.
- powerful storytelling
- relatable performances
- mature content
- family dynamics
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MARRIAGE STORY, Nicole Barber (Scarlett Johansson) decides to end her decade-long marriage to Charlie (Adam Driver). The New York-based couple plans to divorce with as little drama, expense, and disruption as possible. But when Nicole gets a big job opportunity in Los Angeles, custody of their 8-year-old son, Henry (Azhy Robertson), increases the stakes of their split.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director Noah Baumbach brings the pain of the divorce process to the screen in a drama that's phenomenally crafted but is more of a solitary experience than one to be shared. It's hard to imagine what pair of people would choose to see this movie together. Married couple? Uncomfortable. Friends? Evening killer. Couple on a date? Awkward. A sibling going through a divorce? Bring a mop and a wheelbarrow to clean up the emotional mess. Divorce "survivors" will find that every frame hits home: the raw emotions, getting sucked down the legal system's financial hole, and the lawyers who make everything so much worse. The story feels authentically personal -- which makes sense, as it's based on Baumbach's own 2013 divorce from Jennifer Jason Leigh.
The performances in Marriage Story will knock your socks off, including all of the supporting cast: Julie Hagerty as Nicole's mom, who doesn't want to stop loving her ex-son-in-law; Wallace Shawn as the puffed-up stage star reminding everyone of his glory days; and Laura Dern as an artificially empathetic divorce attorney who's all hugs and fangs. But what everyone will end the movie thinking about is the power, vulnerability, and expressiveness of Driver and Johansson's performances. Given their presence (Kylo Ren and Black Widow!), some kids may be interested in watching, but it's not for them, they won't like it, and it could negatively impact their view of marriage. So, who is the perfect movie buddy to watch with? Maybe your adult child who's about to marry Mr. or Ms. Wrong. Rename this one The Squid and the Cautionary Tale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their views on divorce. Is it possible for parents to separate but still remain a family? How does divorce affect kids? Parents? How is divorce typically depicted in the media?
Discuss the role of communication in a successful relationship. Could Nicole and Charlie have communicated better to avoid splitting up in Marriage Story, or would it have mattered?
Do you feel empathy for Charlie and Nicole? Why? If not, how does the course of the film change your feelings toward them? Considering that this is a semi-autobiographical story from Baumbach, do you think both sides are depicted fairly?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 6, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : July 21, 2020
- Cast : Scarlett Johansson , Adam Driver , Laura Dern
- Director : Noah Baumbach
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 136 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout and sexual references
- Awards : Academy Award , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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