Review by wedint

Here is a short little review I've written, not at all complete, but I hope it gives some viewers an idea of how wonderful this film was:

What "A Quiet Little Marriage" lacks in star power or sheen, it makes up for with raw, unabashed honesty and truthfulness. Although many early write-ups for the film have compared it to the early works of John Cassavetes (probably because of the filmmaker and actors independent spirit regarding the project…) it seems more akin to a great short story by Richard Yates or John Updike or Raymond Carver.

Cy Carter is the stand out performance as Dax, the husband with a family history of drug and alcohol abuse, who wants nothing to do with having a child. He plays the reluctant, but supportive husband with a great stillness. And like the characters in Carver's short stories it is what Dax doesn't say that means more to the story, than what he actually says.

Mary-Elizabeth Ellis (Always Sunny In Philadelphia) gives a very solid performance as Olive, Dax's wife, as well. Jimmie Simpson and Charlie Day (also from Sunny) add some comic relief.

The writer/director, Mo Perkins, never delves into the melodrama like some less nuanced filmmakers might and instead approaches her characters with compassion up until the very end of the film.

Overall, this film has a great heart. The characters, the scenes, the situations, the pacing, all feel like lives very close to ours or someone we know. "Marriage" is a simple, quiet little film about love, a rare honest portrayal of the institute of the American marriage, and a testament to independent film-making still existing.