Shades of romance: Malcolm and Marie and The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

February is all about celebrating romance. Here are our best picks of the month in movies.

‘Malcolm and Marie’ (Netflix)

This February expect romance to bloom but not in its traditional sweet sensory way! Creator Sam Levinson of ‘Euphoria’ fame is coming up with the black and white romance drama ‘Malcolm and Marie’ set for a February 5 release on Netflix. The movie has a simple plot line but is expected to unearth the complexities of life’s various aspects - relationship, career and approach to art. One can expect heated conversations and strong opinions unleashed on the lead pair, Malcolm and Marie played by extremely talented John David Washington and Zendaya respectively. From the trailer, it seems like the two are authentically playing poles apart nuances of their characters by dispensing virulent energy in the form of verbal dissonance and the next moment passionately drowning themselves in love that makes up for the temporal fight. There is no supporting cast in the film and it is shot in a single setting in lockdown. That spirit of confinement and discord from the outside world has been encapsulated through a monochrome palette and single setting. Altogether, the film looks solemn in its trailer, having stunningly real performances of the stars, great isolationist setting and philosophical subjects that are taken under its wings. Whether the movie justifies its dialogical narrative is for the viewers to decide but it’s way out of the league of usual romantic drama films.

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‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’ (Prime Video)

Ever felt like you are having the same routine played on a loop and want to break away from monotony? If that feeling of boredom has also engulfed you at some point in life and you’d wish for a change then Amazon Prime’s rom-com dramedy ‘The Map Of Tiny perfect Things’ is for you. The film is based on Lev Grossman’s short story and has him as a writer with Ian Samuels on the director’s chair. It is the story of smart and quick-witted teen Mark played by Kyle Allen and who is contentedly living his routine in an eternal loop. However, his world is transformed when he meets the mystical Margaret played by Kathryn Newton. The two form a magnetic partnership setting out to find all tiny things that can make someone’s day a perfect one. What ensues is a romance with a fantastical twist as the two characters struggle in their search for the perfect day. Will they end the dullness of the day and be together? Find this out in this mushy and jollity movie.

From the February–March 2021 issue of FHM India.