Marriage Story

Charlie Barber, a renowned theater director in New York City, is currently staging a production featuring his wife, Nicole, who once starred as a teen actress. The dynamics of their marriage are complicated by their professional collaboration as they attempt to navigate their emotional turmoil.

In an attempt to resolve their differences, Charlie and Nicole engage with a mediator, who suggests that they share written appreciations of each other. However, Nicole is hesitant, and ultimately, they abandon the counseling process, highlighting the growing divide in their relationship.

Nicole receives an exciting opportunity to star in a TV pilot, prompting her to temporarily relocate to Los Angeles with their son, Henry. This decision marks a significant turning point in their marriage, as Charlie chooses to stay in New York to focus on his play.

As tensions mount, Nicole hires a family lawyer, Laura Dern, after confiding in her producer about the strain in her marriage. She expresses her feelings of being overlooked and shares her suspicions regarding Charlie's fidelity, showcasing her emotional struggles.

During a family visit to Los Angeles, the situation escalates when Nicole serves Charlie with divorce papers via her sister. This abrupt action forces Charlie to confront the reality of their separation, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship.

Feeling overwhelmed, Charlie consults with a tough lawyer, Ray Liotta, who pushes him towards a more aggressive legal strategy. However, Charlie opts to continue without legal representation, demonstrating his reluctance to engage in a combative divorce.

Charlie's legal situation takes a turn when Laura Dern urges him to find legal representation to safeguard his rights as a father. Eventually, he seeks help from Alan Alda, a more compassionate attorney who advocates for a peaceful resolution.

As the divorce proceedings continue, Nicole adopts an increasingly aggressive approach, driven by her lawyer's strategies. The contrasting philosophies of their lawyers exacerbate the personal conflict, leading to harsh accusations and emotional distress.

Following advice from his lawyer, Charlie rents an apartment in Los Angeles to strengthen his custody case. This decision, however, leads to increased tension between him and Nicole as he struggles with his identity split between two cities.

During a moment away from their lawyers, Charlie and Nicole's seemingly friendly conversation morphs into a fierce argument. The emotional release culminates in Charlie damaging the apartment in frustration, followed by a moment of remorse that reveals the depth of their feelings.

Through shared moments and communication, Charlie and Nicole begin to work towards a more equitable divorce agreement. Their journey is punctuated by emotional confrontations, but they find solace in each other as they address their past grievances.

Fast forward a year, Charlie's play has achieved great success on Broadway, showcasing his dedication to his craft. Meanwhile, Nicole has evolved personally and professionally, revealing how their time apart has impacted both of their lives.

As Charlie prepares for a year-long residency at UCLA to be closer to Henry, an emotional moment unfolds. Henry urges Charlie to share aloud the list of things Nicole appreciates about him, emphasizing the bonds that still exist between them.

During a Halloween gathering, Nicole displays kindness by allowing Charlie to take Henry home despite the custody arrangements. This act symbolizes their evolving relationship and the mutual respect that has developed post-separation.

As Charlie cherishes a sleeping Henry while leaving the gathering, Nicole stops him to tie Henry's shoe. This small yet meaningful gesture marks a poignant moment of connection, illustrating the complexities and lingering affection in their relationship.