Marriage is often seen as a union meant to last “happily ever after.” However, in reality, it is a journey filled with ups and downs, where those who prevail are the ones who know when to give in, when to give up, and how to explore opportunities for growth and improvement. These ideas may exist in an ideal world, but reality is often far more complicated. New families can fall apart just as quickly as they come together, or they may face other challenges that subtly and cleverly lead to their collapse. Writer/director Edward Burns dives deep into these themes with his latest film, Millers in Marriage.

Millers in Marriage introduces us to the Miller siblings: Eve (Gretchen Mol), Maggie (Julianna Margulies), and Andy (Edward Burns). Each of them is technically married, but their relationships are far from perfect. Eve, who sacrificed her career as a musician to become a full-time mom, finds herself questioning that choice as her marriage to Scott (Patrick Wilson), a fellow musician who struggles with alcoholism, grows increasingly strained. As Eve contemplates a return to her passion, she finds herself drawn to a charming music critic (Benjamin Bratt) whose interest seems to be more than just professional.

Maggie, on the other hand, is a successful novelist, while her husband, Nick (Campbell Scott), also a writer, struggles to produce anything of value. Their marriage, built on a shared creative foundation, now feels more like a battlefield of frustration and resentment. Meanwhile, their brother, Andy, has found new hope with Renee (Minnie Driver), believing he can finally build a family. Yet, just as he begins to move forward, his ex-wife, Tina (Morena Baccarin), reappears, complicating his newfound relationship the moment she senses that Andy has truly moved on.

Despite what may sound like a complex and tangled narrative, the film quickly reveals itself to be surprisingly easygoing. Edward Burns skillfully avoids overloading the audience with excessive backstory, instead using flashbacks that provide meaningful insights into the characters’ pasts, helping us understand the motivations behind their actions.

The script is one of the film’s greatest strengths, deftly balancing humor with poignant moments that resonate deeply. Burns has crafted a narrative that feels real and raw, capturing the many facets of marriage—from the mundane to the profound, from the joyful to the heartbreaking. At times, the dialogue is genuinely funny, bringing a lightness that prevents the story from becoming overly heavy. These moments of humor are woven in naturally, making the characters and their struggles more relatable and human.

Julianna Margulies, as Maggie, delivers a standout performance that alone would make the film worth watching. Margulies brings an extraordinary depth to her character, navigating the complexities of a woman grappling with her marriage’s slow disintegration while maintaining her own sense of self. Her name on the cast list is almost a guarantee of the film’s success, and she does not disappoint.

Yet, it’s not just Margulies who shines; the entire ensemble cast, including Gretchen Mol, Edward Burns, Minnie Driver, Patrick Wilson, Campbell Scott, Benjamin Bratt, and Morena Baccarin, brings tremendous talent to the table. Each actor delivers a performance that feels natural and believable, allowing the story to develop organically. Their collective chemistry is palpable, drawing the audience into their world and making their emotional journeys feel authentic and compelling.

Burns, a consummate director of actors, emphasizes character development and emotional memory throughout the film. Several times, a character references a past event, and mid-scene, we are transported directly to that moment. This technique adds a unique dynamic to the storytelling, giving the audience a deeper understanding of how these characters’ pasts shape their present lives.

Millers in Marriage does not shy away from the difficult questions about love and relationships. When a marriage no longer works, who will be the one to walk away? And is walking away really the solution? Burns doesn’t provide easy answers, but rather presents a nuanced exploration of what it means to love, to lose, and to change—both individually and together.

While the film’s pacing occasionally falters, especially in its middle act, where certain subplots linger longer than necessary, the sharp dialogue and the exceptional performances keep the viewer engaged. The ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the audience with much to ponder about the choices we make in love and life.

Ultimately, Millers in Marriage is a beautifully crafted film that speaks to the complexities of modern relationships with honesty and humor. It is a smart, sensitive exploration of marriage and family that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced the challenges of love and life. With its intelligent script, talented cast, and thoughtful direction, Edward Burns has delivered a film that is both entertaining and emotionally profound.

Related