When Marriage Story was released in 2019, it immediately became part of a long tradition of films that deal with divorce and the emotional aftermath of romantic breakups. Over time, especially after the sharp increase in divorce rates in the 1970s and 1980s, a period influenced by major social changes such as the gender equality movement, cinema also changed its focus.
Hollywood began to move away from the idealization of the perfect family, bringing to the screen more realistic, harsher, and often more painful stories about relationships that fall apart.
Below are some of the most prominent films that address this topic, each in its own way, sometimes dramatically, sometimes humorously, but always with sensitivity.
Scenes from a Marriage (1973)
Ingmar Bergman's Scenes from a Marriage is one of the most profound portrayals of a marriage ending. This Swedish miniseries follows a couple over two decades, exploring love, betrayal, disappointment, and reconciliation.
With a straightforward and unadorned approach, the film focuses more on everyday problems than on grand existential dramas, making the story even more real and touching.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Kramer vs. Kramer, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, is an undisputed classic.
The film tells the story of a couple who separate and the battle for custody of their child. What makes it special is the fact that it does not take sides, but presents both characters in their complexities. Its success was also sealed by winning several Oscar awards .
Heartburn (1986)
Heartburn , based on Nora Ephron's autobiographical novel, brings a more ironic and lighthearted approach to a painful divorce.
Starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, the film shows how humor can be a way to cope with the end of a marriage.
The First Wives Club (1996)
The First Wives Club is an iconic comedy that tackles divorce from a completely different perspective: revenge and female empowerment.
Starring Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler, the film transforms a story of separation into an entertaining and triumphant narrative.
The Squid and the Whale (2005)
Noah Baumbach's The Squid and the Whale brings a more intimate and personal perspective, focusing on the impact of divorce on children.
The film follows two teenagers trying to make sense of their parents' separation, reflecting sensitively and often ironically on family experiences.
A Separation (2011)
A Separation by Asghar Farhadi is a powerful drama that goes beyond a simple separation.
The film addresses moral conflicts, family responsibilities, and societal pressures, offering a complex and multidimensional story that was internationally acclaimed with numerous awards, including an Oscar .
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Crazy, Stupid, Love brings a combination of humor and drama, depicting a man trying to rebuild his life after a breakup.
Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Julianne Moore, the film shows that even after an ending, there can be new beginnings.
Marriage Story (2019)
Marriage Story remains one of the most realistic and painful portrayals of a modern divorce.
Starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, the film shows how a relationship filled with love can turn into conflict, misunderstandings, and distance, without ever losing the humanity of the characters.
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