Marriage Story

The film opens with Charlie and Nicole Barber participating in a divorce mediation exercise, where they share what they love about each other. This activity aims to remind them of their connection despite their impending separation. Tensions rise when Nicole refuses to read her letter, storming out of the session.

Charlie, a play director, and Nicole, a stage actress, live in New York City, balancing their careers and their young son Henry. Nicole is offered a TV pilot in Los Angeles, which requires her to leave Charlie’s play and move. Nicole takes Henry along to stay with her mother Sandra in LA.

In Los Angeles, Nicole’s friend recommends she get a divorce lawyer, leading her to meet high-powered attorney Nora Fanshaw. Nicole shares her background and feelings of losing herself in the marriage, along with suspicions of Charlie’s infidelity.

Charlie learns about Nicole’s plans and her meeting with lawyers from her sister Cassie. He is confused as they had agreed on mediation without lawyers. Charlie begins to meet with lawyers, but finds most have already been approached by Nicole, complicating his options.

Charlie meets with Bert Spitz, a former entertainment lawyer now running a small practice, who advises him on California custody laws and suggests renting an apartment in LA to present a better case. Bert treats Charlie with compassion, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the legal landscape.

Charlie takes Henry trick-or-treating in California, despite ongoing legal disputes. Henry expresses his preference for California, signaling a possible shift in the family’s future, as Nicole’s show in LA becomes successful and they plan to stay.

The divorce proceedings become aggressive, with lawyers exchanging personal accusations. Nicole’s attorney Nora and Charlie’s lawyer Jay battle with claims about alcohol, infidelity, and financial rights, leading to the court appointing an evaluator to observe the parents.

Nicole visits Charlie’s apartment hoping to settle their issues, but their conversation turns violent. They accuse each other of unhappiness and selfishness, resulting in Charlie breaking down emotionally and apologizing after a heated exchange.

The court-appointed evaluator observes Charlie during a dinner with Henry. Concerns arise when Charlie, worried about Henry’s interest in his pocket knife, accidentally cuts himself while trying to demonstrate a joke, leading to hospital visit and emotional distress.

Charlie and Nicole settle their divorce, with Nicole gaining primary custody of Henry in LA. The court awards her 55%, with Charlie having visitation rights, and both legal fees draining their finances. The judge emphasizes that it's a shared custody arrangement designed to benefit Henry.

Charlie performs 'Being Alive' at a Manhattan jazz bar, symbolizing his emotional state. Meanwhile, Nicole is acclaimed for her directing work, and she and Charlie reconnect emotionally when Henry brings him a letter Nicole wrote at the start of the divorce process.

Henry finds his mother’s letter and asks Charlie to read it. As Charlie cries, Nicole offers to let him take Henry for the night. The film closes with a tender moment when Nicole helps Charlie tie his shoe before he leaves, signifying a hopeful note on their relationship.