Millers in Marriage
February 18th, 2024
MOVIE: MILLERS IN MARRIAGE
STARRING: GRETCHEN MOL, EDWARD BURNS, MORENA BACCARIN, JULIANNA MARGULIES, MINNIE DRIVER, BENJAMIN BRATT, PATRICK WILSON, CAMPBELL SCOTT, BRIAN D’ARCY JAMES
DIRECTED BY: EDWARD BURNS
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 ½ STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 117 MINUTES
Millers in Marriage is a rare treat—a movie for grownups. In an era where adult dramas are hard to come by, and voices like Edward Burns’ are becoming scarce, it’s refreshing to witness a story that engages with the complexities of relationships in a grounded, meaningful way. The type of drama we used to see from Woody Allen has largely faded, and with it, the appeal of adult subject matter at the box office. The last film to capture this kind of narrative was Past Lives by Celine Song—a story about love, choices, and the doubts we carry with us. Millers in Marriage, like Past Lives, explores similar territory: the multifaceted nature of love, marriage, divorce, and infidelity, all through the lens of three siblings each navigating their own unique experience.
The film’s title refers to the trio of siblings at its core, each in a different stage of their respective marriages: crumbling, stagnant, or blossoming. First, there’s Eve (Gretchen Mol, delivering stellar work), once a musician who sacrificed her career to be a mother, now trapped in a marriage with her alcoholic rockstar husband, Scott (Patrick Wilson). She finds solace and temptation in Johnny (Benjamin Bratt), a journalist who sees her for both her beauty and intellect. The internal conflict Eve faces—clinging to a broken marriage or embracing the possibility of a fresh start—provides enough drama to carry a film on its own. But Burns gives us more, introducing the other two siblings.
Andy (Burns) is the brother, who recently separated from his wife, Tina (Morena Baccarin), and unexpectedly finds a new connection with Tina’s former coworker, Renee (Minnie Driver). Burns excels at portraying the humanity of each character in this delicate triangle. We see the jealousy of a past love, the frustration of a man confronted with his flaws, and a new romantic interest grappling with her fears. This dynamic sparks deeper, often humorous, and occasionally painful conversations—showing how relationships are never as simple as they seem. It’s in these moments that Millers in Marriage truly shines, with Burns proving that compelling drama lies in the words on the page and the actors who bring them to life.
Then there’s Maggie (Julianna Margulies), a successful writer married to her equally successful writer husband, Nick (Campbell Scott). Their marriage, now at a crossroads, is defined by constant quarrels over their careers and a growing emotional distance. As empty-nesters, the physical and emotional distance between them only widens. Eventually, Maggie strays, having an affair with their neighbor, Dennis (Brian d’Arcy James). This subplot, both heartbreaking and brutally honest, offers a raw look at the fragility of a long-term marriage.
While each sibling’s relationship has its own set of conflicts, the overarching themes are universal. Burns isn’t concerned with variety; he’s more focused on creating a connection between the story and the viewer. There’s something deeply relatable in these characters’ struggles. Whether we see echoes of our relationships, or recognize elements of our family history, Millers in Marriage feels like a shared experience. This authenticity is what elevates the film. The writing is exceptional, and each actor knows exactly who their character is, which allows us to fully immerse ourselves in their stories.
Millers in Marriage won’t be for everyone, but it certainly resonated with me. It’s hard not to long for more films like this, ones that evoke the spirit of The Big Chill, Parenthood, or even Marriage Story. As Burns’ 14th film, it’s a breath of fresh air to see an artist—an auteur—who continuously evolves his storytelling style but still trusts the audience to connect with his work on a deeply personal level. Millers in Marriage is universal in its exploration of love, and that is what makes it great cinema.
MILLERS IN MARRIAGE IS PLAYING IN SELECT THEATERS AND AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21ST, 2025.
3 ½ STARS
Written by: Leo Brady
