Mark, Mary & Some Other People Review | 2021 Tribeca Film Festival

Mark, Mary & Some Other People is a real and raw, yet adorable and charming, movie that focuses on a young couple.

Mark, Mary & Some Other People works so well because it is a combination of comedy, drama, and realness. A movie that is, at times, hard to watch, feels realistic and like something that could happen to anybody. The score, cinematography, pacing, and two leads make Mark, Mary, & Some Other People more than worth a watch.

This movie is about a young couple who decides to experiment with an open relationship. They allow each other to step out of the marriage — as long as they stick to some ground rules. Of course this results in a lot of craziness, but it is pulled off in such a charming way that it is a cute movie, even through the heartbreaking parts of the story.

What Works With Mark, Mary & Some Other People

Hayley Law, who plays Mary, and Ben Rosenfield, who plays Mark, makes this movie what it is. They are both so perfect in their roles and have great chemistry together. The two do a wonderful job of showcases every emotional feeling like love, lust, and jealousy. 

The story itself feels like something that should be difficult and uncomfortable to watch. However, the pacing, the writing, and the overall feeling make it a bit of a joy to watch — even through the hard times. The musical score succeeds at bringing even more emotion into the film, especially in the final scene before the credits. Most viewers will be shedding a few tears at this point – rightfully so. 

Mark, Mary & Some Other People is directed by the talented Hannah marks and it is very clear that she has a vision for this film. This film is a comedy, a drama, and an expression of real people. While the execution is not always the best, these characters are likable, and many people will find themselves connecting with them, even if their values differ.

What Doesn’t Work With Mark, Mary, & Some Other People

It is extremely easy to find yourself completely captivated by this film, and rooting for Mark and Mary to make it through everything that they are dealing with. The third act feels a bit disjointed, as the brilliant set up starts to crumble to pieces. 

The ending itself is a bit of a harsh reality check, and while the intent was there, it has the potential to upset viewers – almost to the point of wondering why they just sat through an hour and half long movie to end up at this point.

Overall Thoughts

Mark, Mary & Some Other People is a fun and witty film that will likely hook the audience right from the beginning. The chemistry between Law and Rosenfield brings the movie to a whole new level, and it is because of them that it truly works. 

However, the dark moments of the movie are very realistic and in turn, can make it hard to watch. Viewers could feel awkward and uncomfortable through some scenes because they just don’t want to see the leads suffer. 

Overall this movie is a dramedy that works for the most part thanks to the lead performances, the interesting story, and even the unexpected ending.

About Mark, Mary, & Some Other People Review

Mark and Mary’s meet-cute happens at a neighborhood drug store, where she is busy buying a pregnancy test, and he has to make an effort to remind her they met in college. After asking her out, he accompanies her as she takes the test, and upon it showing negative, she agrees to a date. One year later, they have fallen deeply, passionately, head over heels in love, and their whirlwind romance leads to marriage. So when Mary suddenly requests they open their relationship to “ethical non-monogamy”, Mark is taken by surprise, but agrees to try it. And that’s where this story really begins.

Mark, Mary, & Some Other People played at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival.