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Movies That Do a Great Job Representing Divorce

Divorce can be complicated, and you often only see and hear horror stories. There are many instances where it is a struggle, but there are also times when it works out, and everyone is better off and happy. Here are a few movies that do a great job representing divorce, showing the complexities of the process.

Kramer vs. Kramer
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander (Actors)

Kramer vs. Kramer

The film raises fascinating questions regarding the difference between physical and legal custody while also diving into gender roles, parental rights, work-life balance, and how single parents raise their children. It was one of the first mainstream films to cover the topic of divorce and it does a great job doing so, winning multiple accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Marriage Story

Marriage Story is a film that came out recently, almost 40 years after Kramer vs. Kramer, and while many of the same themes are still present, it shines a new perspective on divorce.

Both the parents in this film want different things, epitomized by Scarlett Johansson’s character residing in Los Angeles while Adam Driver’s character wishes to stay and work in New York. In addition, this film uniquely dives into the litigation aspect of divorce, highlighting the search for attorneys and presenting arguments to a judge. | Stream on Netflix

The Squid And The Whale
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Owen Kline, Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney (Actors)

The Squid and the Whale

This film is another from Noah Baumbach, who directed Marriage Story as well, and it follows a divorce from the children’s perspective. Two brothers have their lives upended as their parents go through a divorce, and they must come to terms with themselves and who both of their parents truly are.

It can be hard to watch at times, but it is an unflinching reflection of how divorce impacts an entire family, not just the adults.

The Parent Trap (1998)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Dennis Quaid, Lindsay Lohan, Natasha Richardson (Actors)

The Parent Trap

Most of these films highlight the divorce process, but what The Parent Trap does differently is highlight life after a divorce. It may be a fairytale version of divorce with the parents getting back together, but it still highlights the dynamics of life after divorce with children.

You may not be married, but you will still be part of each other's lives in complicated ways.

A Separation
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Peyman Moaadi, Shahab Hosseini, Sareh Bayat (Actors)

A Separation

This Iranian film follows a couple dealing with questions such as moving to another country to improve their child's life or staying in Iran to care for their sick parent.

The film does a fantastic job of showing that, in many instances, there is often no “right side” in a relationship, and both sides can have legitimate perspectives for staying in or ending a relationship.

These were a few movies that do a great job representing divorce, but even in their extended runtimes and different perspectives, divorce will be something that no one can fully understand. It is complicated, full of opposing viewpoints and ideas, and incredibly personal.

People Also Ask:

Who is happier after divorce?

According to a 2013 study conducted by Kingston University researchers, the majority of women were significantly happier than they'd ever been after divorce. Over the course of two decades, the study polled 10,000 men and women.

Is there a better life after divorce?

We interviewed 12 divorced men about their post-divorce lives. They discussed painful emotions, paranoia, debt, and the loss of friends. But it also means better relationships with their children, finding peace, and settling into a new normal that feels, well, okay. Some things have improved, while others are still in the works.

Is there hope for love after divorce?

Yes, there is a romance after divorce if you look for the lessons you need to learn, keep an open mind, and choose a partner with character and values that will last. Check out these 40 Best Ways to Prepare for Divorce for even more advice on life after divorce.

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