New Movies: Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other (2024) by Manon Ouimet, Jacob Perlmutter
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Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other (2024) by Manon Ouimet, Jacob Perlmutter: A Candid Portrait of Enduring Love and Artistic Life
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other, directed by the filmmaking duo Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter, is an intimate and elegantly composed documentary that offers a profound look into the decades-long marriage of acclaimed photographer Joel Meyerowitz and artist/writer Maggie Barrett. The film is a tender, yet unflinchingly honest, exploration of love, aging, creative partnership, and the delicate balance of identity within a long-term relationship.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30320489/
Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/two-strangers-trying-not-to-kill-each-other-review-1235943811/
About movie: https://filmmakermagazine.com/127870-jacob-perlmutter-and-manon-ouimet-two-strangers-trying-not-to-kill-each-other/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/two-strangers-trying-not-to-kill-each-other (UK)
Detailed Summary
The documentary Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other delves into the richly intertwined lives of Joel Meyerowitz, a world-renowned photographer, and Maggie Barrett, a talented but less recognized artist, writer, and musician. Having found each other in middle age after previous marriages, their union has spanned over 30 years, marked by a deep bond and a shared creative spirit.
The film immerses the audience in their daily lives, initially in their idyllic Tuscan villa and later in their New York apartment and a new home in Cornwall, following a pivotal moment when Maggie suffers a serious fall and is diagnosed with osteoporosis. This event forces a shift in their dynamic, with Joel taking on a significant caregiving role, and brings to the surface long-held resentments, particularly for Maggie, who has often felt overshadowed by Joel's towering artistic success.
Through meticulously composed scenes and candid conversations, the film captures the tender moments of their enduring love — sharing baths by candlelight, dancing, and musing on life and mortality. However, it also bravely showcases their confrontations and the underlying tensions. Maggie expresses her frustrations about feeling unheard and unacknowledged for her own creative contributions, often overshadowed by Joel's prolific output and public acclaim. This prompts them to confront questions of equality, mutual recognition, and the challenge of maintaining individuality within a deeply entwined partnership as they face the inevitability of aging and the end of life.
The documentary, helmed by a filmmaking couple themselves, reflects on their subjects' journey towards a deeper understanding of each other, navigating their unique creative rhythms, confronting the physical challenges of old age, and ultimately seeking a shared inner peace. It's a portrait of a resilient relationship that continuously adapts, shifts, and seeks harmony.
Plot Summary
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other is a documentary charting the 30-year marriage between celebrated photographer Joel Meyerowitz and artist Maggie Barrett. The film intimately observes their lives as they navigate the complexities of aging, creative collaboration, and a pivotal moment when Maggie's health issues lead to a shift in their relationship dynamics. It candidly explores their enduring love, underlying tensions, and their continuous effort to find equilibrium and mutual understanding.
Director's Vision
Filmmakers Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter, who are also a creative couple, brought their own backgrounds in photography and art to the direction of Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other. Their vision was to craft an intimate, nuanced, and elegant portrait of a long-term marriage, focusing on the tender and often challenging realities of love and aging. They aimed to "disappear" behind the camera, allowing Joel and Maggie to be authentically themselves, creating an environment where "arguments erupt and resentments are exhumed."
The directors made a conscious effort to give both Joel and Maggie equal voice and prominence within the film, acknowledging the power imbalance inherent in Maggie living in the shadow of a more famous artist. The film's aesthetic is deeply influenced by Meyerowitz's photography, with thoughtful compositions and framing, while the soundtrack incorporates Maggie Barrett's own piano compositions, seamlessly embedding both artists' creative voices into the film's language. Their goal was to create a film that is both universally relatable in its exploration of marital dynamics and deeply specific in its portrayal of two extraordinary artistic lives.
Themes
Love and Long-Term Partnership: The enduring nature of love, its complexities, challenges, and the continuous work required to maintain a relationship over decades.
Aging and Mortality: The film candidly explores the physical and emotional realities of growing old, facing health challenges, and contemplating the end of life.
Creative Collaboration and Individual Identity: The delicate balance between sharing a creative life with a partner and maintaining one's distinct artistic identity and recognition.
Equality and Power Dynamics: The nuanced exploration of power imbalances within a relationship, particularly when one partner is significantly more recognized or successful.
Resilience and Adaptability: The couple's ability to navigate life's inevitable changes, setbacks, and personal struggles while continuously adapting and finding new ways to connect.
Key Success Factors
Authenticity and Candor: The remarkable openness and vulnerability of Joel Meyerowitz and Maggie Barrett, allowing the filmmakers unprecedented access to their lives and emotions.
Intimate Direction: Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter's empathetic and observational approach, which allows the narrative to unfold naturally and genuinely.
Visual and Aural Artistry: The film's stunning cinematography (influenced by Meyerowitz's photographic eye) and the integration of Maggie's musical compositions create a cohesive and aesthetically rich experience.
Relatable Universal Themes: Despite its specific subjects, the documentary tackles universal aspects of long-term relationships, aging, and personal identity that resonate deeply with a broad audience.
Festival Acclaim: Its strong performance and multiple nominations and awards at prestigious film festivals underline its critical recognition and artistic merit.
Cast
Joel Meyerowitz (as himself)
Maggie Barrett (as herself)
Brenda Bufalino (as herself)
Awards and Nominations
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other has garnered significant recognition on the festival circuit:
Winner: Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Philadelphia Film Festival (2024)
Honorable Mention: CPH:DOX Award (2024)
Nominated: British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) 2024 for:
Best Feature Documentary
Best Debut Director - Feature Documentary (Manon Ouimet, Jacob Perlmutter)
Nominated: DOX:AWARD (CPH:DOX 2024)
Nominated: Golden Alexander (Thessaloniki Documentary Festival 2024)
Nominated: Harrell Award for Best Documentary Feature (Camden International Film Festival 2024)
Nominated: Ad Hoc Docs Competition (2025)
Nominated: Spotlight Award (2025)
The film has also been an Official Selection at numerous other festivals, including the London Film Festival, DOC NYC, IDFA, Zurich Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, and Biografilm Festival.
Critics Reception
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other has received overwhelmingly positive critical reception, often lauded for its intimate nature and profound exploration of its subjects.
Sight and Sound (BFI): Praised it as an "elegant portrait of an artist marriage," noting its "richly artful" composition and its exploration of mortality, equality, and moving forward together.
Screen Daily: Described it as "a thoughtful, revealing and sometimes profoundly uncomfortable viewing experience," highlighting the "candour and courage" of Meyerowitz and Barrett.
Next Best Picture: Commended the directors' "intimate, personality-driven approach" and their success in boosting "the under-appreciated voice of a relationship."
The Arts Desk: Called it a "portrait of photographer Joel Meyerowitz" that primarily focuses on his marriage, acknowledging the "brave" and "frank" portrayal of challenges.
Loud and Clear Reviews: Found it to be a "cosy but honest portrait of a happy, if imbalanced, relationship," describing it as "undeniably moving."
Miami Jewish Film Festival: Highlighted it as a "tender and candid portrait of love, creativity, and aging," beautifully exploring devotion, self-expression, and the search for peace.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics are highly positive, commending the film for its intimate, honest, and artful portrayal of Joel Meyerowitz and Maggie Barrett's marriage. Reviewers consistently praise the filmmakers' ability to capture both the tenderness and the underlying tensions of a long-term relationship, particularly as it navigates aging and the complexities of creative partnership. The film's visual elegance and its poignant exploration of universal themes resonate strongly with critics, solidifying its place as a standout documentary of 2024.
Reviews
Audience and festival reviews mirror the positive critical reception. Viewers have found the film deeply moving and relatable, appreciating the candidness of Joel and Maggie. Many have expressed that the documentary offers valuable insights into the realities of long-term relationships, the challenges of aging, and the pursuit of creative fulfillment, regardless of one's own profession. The film's ability to blend humor with profound emotional moments has been a consistent highlight.
Overall Summary of Reviews: Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other is widely regarded as a beautiful, authentic, and emotionally resonant documentary that offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a truly unique partnership. Its universal themes, combined with the compelling personalities of its subjects, have created a strong positive impression among audiences.
Box Office
As a documentary with a primary focus on film festivals and digital distribution, Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other has had a very limited theatrical release. Its reported worldwide gross on IMDb is approximately $29,848, which is typical for independent documentaries with targeted exhibition strategies.
Production
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other is an international co-production from the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United States.
Directors: Manon Ouimet, Jacob Perlmutter
Screenwriters: Manon Ouimet, Jacob Perlmutter
Producers: Manon Ouimet, Jacob Perlmutter, Signe Byrge Sørensen
Executive Producers: Joslyn Barnes, Mandy Chang, Janus Billeskov Jansen, James P. O'Shaughnessy, Melissa O'Shaughnessy
Cinematography: Jacob Perlmutter
Editors: Estephan Wagner, Josh Mallalieu
Music: Diogo Strausz
Production Companies: Manon Et Jacob, Final Cut for Real
Sales Companies
Cinetic Media (Jason@cineticmedia.com) handled the international sales for the film.
Distribution Companies
Modern Films (United Kingdom)
IFI Home (Ireland)
Well Go USA Entertainment (indicated as a US distributor, but distribution appears limited)
Release Date on Streaming
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other premiered at CPH:DOX in March 2024. While a specific global streaming release date across all platforms is not universally announced, it has been made available through various platforms and partnerships, including:
IFI Home (Ireland) for streaming.
Modern Films (UK distributor) mentions it will be available from May 9, 2025, for some theatrical screenings and likely concurrent digital availability in the UK.
The film had its US premiere at the Camden International Film Festival on September 17, 2024, followed by other US festival appearances, suggesting a staggered digital release.
Theatrical Release
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other has had an extensive festival run and limited theatrical releases:
World Premiere: CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, Denmark (March 16, 2024)
US Premiere: Camden International Film Festival (September 17, 2024)
UK & Ireland Theatrical Release: March 21, 2025 (with ongoing screenings in May 2025)
Other Festival Screenings: London Film Festival (October 2024), DOC NYC, IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam), Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, Zurich Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Philadelphia Film Festival, and Biografilm Festival, among others.
Why to Recommend This Movie
For Those Who Appreciate Documentaries as Art: If you value films that are not just informative but also visually stunning and thoughtfully composed, revealing deep human truths.
Insight into Long-Term Relationships: For anyone interested in a candid, realistic, and deeply moving portrayal of a long-term marriage, including its joys, challenges, and the complexities of aging together.
Art and Artists: If you are fascinated by the lives of artists, the creative process, and how personal relationships intersect with artistic endeavors.
Authentic Storytelling: To witness a film where the subjects' vulnerability and the filmmakers' sensitive approach create a truly genuine and unforgettable experience.
Why to Watch Movie
Emotional Resonance: To be moved by a profound story of love, loss, and resilience that explores universal human experiences.
Visually Striking: To enjoy the beautiful cinematography and artistic composition that reflects the subjects' creative lives.
Unique Perspective on Aging: To gain a raw and honest insight into the realities of growing older, facing mortality, and adapting to life's changes.
Discover Compelling Personalities: To spend time with Joel Meyerowitz and Maggie Barrett, two fascinating and articulate individuals who share their lives with remarkable openness.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other is a prime example of the "Intimate, Observational Documentary" trend, focusing on personal narratives and relationships rather than grand societal issues (similar to Dick Johnson Is Dead or The Eternal Memory). It also aligns with the trend of "Artist Biographies/Portraits," offering a deep dive into the lives and creative processes of celebrated figures, but with a particular emphasis on their personal relationships. Its festival circuit success and limited theatrical/digital release model reflect the "Independent Documentary Distribution" trend.
What Big Social Trend is Following
The film resonates with social trends concerning "Aging and Elder Care," addressing the realities of growing old, the challenges of caregiving, and the redefinition of roles in later life. It also contributes to conversations about "Gender Dynamics in Creative Fields," particularly the historical overshadowing of female artists by their male counterparts, and the ongoing struggle for equal recognition. Furthermore, the film reflects the broader cultural interest in "Authenticity and Vulnerability" in media, showcasing real lives with raw honesty.
Final Verdict
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other is a triumph of intimate documentary filmmaking. Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter have crafted a sensitive, artful, and deeply moving portrait of a marriage that is both extraordinary in its subjects and universal in its themes. With its stunning visuals, candid interviews, and honest portrayal of love, aging, and the complexities of creative partnership, the film stands as a testament to the resilience of human connection. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking a profound and authentic cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll, and a significant achievement in the documentary landscape of 2024.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Prioritize Intimacy and Trust: Build a strong rapport with your subjects to encourage genuine vulnerability, as their openness is the bedrock of an intimate documentary.
Embrace Observational Storytelling: Allow narratives to unfold organically, trusting the power of observation to reveal truths rather than relying on heavy-handed narration or constructed plotlines.
Infuse Personal Perspective: When appropriate, allow your own experiences and artistic sensibilities to inform the filmmaking process, creating a unique and authentic voice.
Master Visual Language: Utilize cinematography and editing as integral tools for storytelling, allowing the visuals to convey emotion, subtext, and character dynamics without explicit exposition.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Invest in Character-Driven Documentaries: Recognize the profound impact and broad appeal of films that focus on deeply personal stories and relationships, which often resonate more universally than issue-driven documentaries.
Support Emerging Talent in Documentary: Provide opportunities for new voices in documentary filmmaking, particularly those who demonstrate a strong artistic vision and a sensitive approach to their subjects.
Champion Diverse Narratives: Continue to promote stories that reflect the complexities of human experience across different ages, backgrounds, and creative paths.
Innovate Distribution for Documentaries: Explore and refine diverse distribution strategies beyond traditional theatrical runs, leveraging streaming platforms and community screenings to reach wider and more engaged audiences for non-fiction films.
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