What is it to be a genius? That’s a question that sits at the heart of Maestro, a new film from Netflix that streams today. It focuses on the life of Leonard Bernstein, including his great compositions and conducting. But it’s also about the toll it took on his personal relationships, particularly with his wife, Felicia Montealegre.

The film begins at the end. An aging Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) is giving an interview about his late wife, wistfully remembering her. Quickly we spin back to the 1940s, where Bernstein is getting his first big break as a conductor. He shines. Not long after, he meets Felicia (Carey Mulligan) at party. Sparks fly, but it’s complicated.

Eventually the marry and build a life together. But it’s complicated. Felicia isn’t the only person to whom Bernstein is attracted. While she makes a conscious decision, at least at the beginning, to share him with others to keep his creative spark going strong, it takes its toll. He reaches great creative heights. They build a family with three children. They remain in love. But it is complicated.

This film is mostly about that complication, and how they continued to spin the axis of their orbit around each other. And in those moments and that story, Cooper and Mulligan shine. There are moments of beauty and passion throughout this film, which is one of the best of the year.

The first part of their story is told in stunning black-and-white images. The choice adds a richness to the narrative and building the world. Later, we switch to color and it’s hard not to be drawn into the period settings and costumes. But through it all it’s the performances of Cooper—who co-wrote and directed the film—and Mulligan. Both earned Golden Globe nominations and both should be on the short list for an Oscar nomination as well.

There are some incredible and powerful scenes that allow each to showcase their range and ability. The music and the storytelling sequences are effective as well. The whole production brings the story to life in a compelling and incredible way.

I was moved by Cooper’s direction and the choices in bringing this story to life. The camera sits on the faces of the performers, particularly Mulligan and Cooper himself and allows the performances to shine through.

Netflix has fought for years to break through at the Oscars. With Maestro, it feels like this might be a big year for the streamer. The film opened in limited release at theaters and streams on Netflix beginning Wednesday, December 20. It’s well worth checking out.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.