‘Highly underrated’ comedy starring two Oscar winners streaming now on Netflix | Films | Entertainment

A “highly underrated” comedy drama starring two Hollywood legends is streaming now in the UK. Heartburn (1986) tells the story of a marriage between New York writer Rachel Samstat (Meryl Streep) and political columnist Mark Forman (Jack Nicholson, whose relationship breaks down when “among other things, his infidelity becomes a problem they cannot overcome”, the Netflix synopsis of the film reads.

The film was directed and co-produced by Mike Nichols, from a screenplay by Nora Ephron, is based on her novel of the same name. It marked the only time Streep and Nicholson, both of whom have won multiple Academy Awards across their decades-long careers, have shared top billing in a feature film.

One fan said: “The acting is superb by the whole cast and what could’ve become an over-dramatic film has wonderful moments of humor that works so well.

“Although the story is quite sad in parts the film is balanced out by a lot of humor. I found myself laughing out loud at this film a lot,” adding that it’s “still well worth watching”.

Another said: “You should definitely watch it, if only for Meryl Streep’s performance. This is a very, very highly underrated film.”

However, the film divides audiences, reflected in its unremarkable 6.1/10 rating on the platform.

One viewer said despite having a lot of potential, the “screenplay lets us down”. “The film is usually billed as a romantic comedy, and there are some gently poignant, quasi-comic moments.

“But it is mostly a drama, a sour take on an unhappy marriage. And parts are dull and slow,” they added.

However, others came out to bat for it, with one calling it a “tender film from Nichols, based on Nora Ephron’s novel about love, marriage, babies, infidelities”, adding that Streep and Nicholson are “stunning together”.

Another said: “I would almost like to applaud, just in admiration of this very subtle masterpiece. What the heck, let’s do it anyway: BRAVO !”

“The movie is tender, strong, real & cruel, just like real life,” a further fan of the film said.

The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong language.

Heartburn is streaming now on Netflix.