An Exploration of Love, Marriage, and Identity

Read Time:3 Minute, 56 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
My Love Affair With Marriage
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Genre: Animation, Satire, Comedy, Drama, Musical
Year Released: 2022, 2024 MVD Visual
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Signe Baumane
Writer(s): Signe Baumane
Cast: Dagmara Dominczyk, Matthew Modine, Stephen Lang, Cameron Monaghan, Michele Pawk, Trio Limonāde
Where To Watch: available September 10, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE draws viewers into a colorful, animated world where love and expectations collide with intense, humorous fallout. Signe Baumane, the visionary behind this cinematic experience, uses a unique animation style to delve into the intricacies of relationships and self-discovery through the eyes of Zelma. Voiced by Dagmara Dominczyk, Zelma's story begins from her youth in the Soviet Union to her adult life, revealing the deeply ingrained notions of marriage as a woman’s ultimate fulfillment.

The narrative's strength lies in its ability to weave a rich exploration of humor and emotional depth, challenging viewers to reflect on their values and the societal molds they inhabit. Zelma's evolution is a turbulent yet enlightening journey, punctuated by the pressures of traditional female roles imparted by influential figures—from her mother to her educators. Each relationship Zelma enters, first with Sergei (Cameron Monaghan) and later with Bo (Matthew Modine,) offers a mirror to her inner conflicts and growth, reflecting the universal struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

Aesthetically, the film is a feast for the eyes. Baumane employs a mix of hand-drawn animation and cross-genre sets that enrich the storytelling with a surreal, dream-like quality. The visual metaphor of Zelma transforming into a creature during stressful moments cleverly depicts her psychological battles. These artistic choices enhance the narrative's impact and anchor the film's thematic exploration of identity and self-acceptance.

Moreover, including “Biology” (Michele Pawk), a spectral narrator detailing the scientific underpinnings of human emotion, adds an intriguing twist to the story. This technique cleverly juxtaposes the chaotic nature of human relationships with the clinical precision of biological explanations, inviting viewers to ponder the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping our emotional lives.

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE does not shy away from the complexities of human relationships. The portrayal of Zelma’s marriages highlights the challenges of adhering to traditional roles and the emotional labor involved in maintaining a relationship. Baumane’s treatment of these themes is sensitive and insightful, providing a balanced view that fosters empathy and understanding.

The film also greatly benefits from its musical elements, including a chorus of sirens that periodically offers a whimsical commentary on the unfolding drama. These musical interludes, reminiscent of a Greek chorus, serve as a break from the narrative’s heavier themes and enrich the film’s exploration of love and identity.

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE is a compelling examination of our roles and the masks we wear, beautifully animated and thoughtfully told. It invites us to question, laugh, and perhaps even shed a tear as it unfolds Zelma's journey toward understanding her true self beyond societal expectations. This film is a testament to the power of animation in exploring profound themes with a lightness that allows for reflection and entertainment, making it a must-watch for not just fans of the genre but anyone intrigued by the complexities of love and personal growth.

Bonus Materials:
Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series Presents Director Signe Baumane on the Making of “My Love Affair With Marriage”
Original Theatrical Trailer
Optional English, Spanish, French, and Latvian Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of MVD VISUAL, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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