Okay, let's talk about Scenes From A Marriage. You know, that show that makes you question your entire relationship? Or, if you're single, makes you vow to stay that way forever.
The big question is: how many episodes are there? Is it a marathon commitment or a quick dip into marital angst?
The (Relatively) Short Answer
Here's the deal. The 2021 remake, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, has… wait for it… five episodes! Yes, only five.
Five episodes of intense staring, emotional breakdowns, and questionable life choices. Five episodes to make you feel like you've lived through a decade of marriage yourself.
Think of it as concentrated relationship drama. All the pain, half the time. (Maybe that’s a good thing?)
But Wait, There's More (Kind Of)
Now, some of you savvy movie buffs might be thinking, "Hold on! There was an original, right?" You are absolutely correct. Ingmar Bergman's original Scenes From A Marriage from 1973 is a classic.
But that’s a completely different beast. It originally aired as six episodes. Later, it was cut into a shorter film.
So, when people talk about Scenes From A Marriage, make sure you know which version they're referring to before committing your evening.
My Unpopular Opinion (Brace Yourselves)
Okay, I'm going to say it. Five episodes is *enough*. I know, I know. Some of you are screaming at your screens. But hear me out.
The show is intense. It’s a pressure cooker of emotions. More than five episodes, and I think I’d need therapy just to process it all.
Honestly, by episode four, I was already hiding under a blanket, questioning every decision I've ever made. Did I turn off the stove? Am I a good person?
And Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac? Amazing! But their on-screen chemistry is so palpable, it makes you feel like you're intruding on something private. Extended exposure could be hazardous to your own romantic health.
Plus, think about it. Five episodes allows for excellent binge-watching. You can dedicate an entire weekend to wallowing in marital discord. And then emerge on Monday, blinking in the sunlight, ready to appreciate your own (hopefully less dramatic) life.
Maybe it's just me. Maybe I have a low tolerance for intense relationship dramas. But I think five episodes is the perfect dose. Just enough to make you think, but not enough to completely shatter your faith in humanity.
So, To Recap...
If you're diving into the 2021 remake, prepare for five episodes. Five episodes of phenomenal acting, uncomfortable truths, and a whole lot of feelings.
If you're feeling brave, maybe check out Bergman's original. Just be warned, it's a different experience altogether.
Either way, happy watching! And maybe keep a box of tissues handy. You know, just in case.
