‘Mark, Mary and Some Other People’ — Film Review
Mark, Mary and Some Other People, written and directed by Hannah Marks, made its world premiere in the U.S. Narrative Competition section in the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. The film stars Ben Rosenfield, Hayley Law, Odessa A’Zion, Nik Dodani, Matt Shively, and Sofia Bryant.
Mark (Ben Rosenfield) and Mary’s (Hayley Law) 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.
The film, which presents itself as an updated romantic-comedy (an ode to Gen-Z), is unpretentious in its perceptive and entertaining delivery. Mark, Mary and Some Other People, invites the viewer in to observe two opposing sides of a polyamory tale. The premise challenges logic and emotion, but also creates a safe space for both to mutually exist. It’s a charming love story with imperfections and characters one can relate to and even side with, depending on your perspective. The chemistry between Mark and Mary is undeniable, which is a major nod to Ben Rosenfield and Hayley Law’s involvement and dedication to their roles.
While the film is specific to Mark and Mary’s relationship, it elicits modern thoughts and concepts in story-telling that go beyond socially sanctioned norms. Monogamy, for the most part, has been the prevalent ideal in rom-coms (“When Harry Met Sally”, “Hitch”, “Crazy Stupid Love”), which hasn’t always reflected new forms of relationships, until now.
Mark, Mary and Some Other People dares to explore what a polyamorous relationship could look like – from conception to conclusion – and from a funny, nuanced and honest lens. Hannah Marks’ writing deserves a shout out for its authentic curiosity, warm tone, relevant themes and perfectly placed ambiguity).
DIRECTOR: Hannah Marks
SCREENWRITER: Hannah Marks
PRODUCER: Hannah Marks, Pete Williams, Jon Lullo, Brendan Walter, Jonathan Duffy, Kelly Williams, Stephen Braun
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Casey Stolberg
EDITOR: Andy Holton
WITH: Ben Rosenfield, Hayley Law, Odessa A’Zion, Nik Dodani, Matt Shively, Sofia Bryant
