Good original films are few and far between these days, so when something like Michael Angelo Covino’s, Splitsville comes along, it’s truly a breath of fresh air. Starring Kyle Marvin (also co-writer), Dakota Johnson, and Adria Arjona, the quirky and sexy comedy focuses on 2 couples who are finding ways to navigate their relationships: one pair is going through a divorce, while the others are seeing just how complicated things can get if you opt to have an open relationship within a marriage. It’s one of those films that you find yourself watching and saying, “Oh I know someone who is like this!”, but not in a good way.
The opening scene immediately pulls you in and keeps you invested for the entire film as Ashley (Arjona) expresses to Carey (Marvin) that she wants a divorce. While he tries to talk her out of it, she pulls out a notebook to list reasons why, but he isn’t interested in hearing her, so he hops out of the car and takes off on foot. I don’t know about you, but I was sold in this very moment because there have been countless times when I have faced a situation where I was just so eager to run away, and Carey does exactly that.
On the other end of things, Julie (Johnson) and Paul (Covino) are seemingly a happy couple who later talk to Carey about how they have an open relationship and are as content as can be with their openness. They have minimal rules, but we later find out that one very specific side note should have been put in place: don’t sleep with my best friend. Since it wasn’t, all Hell breaks loose, leading us on an epic journey as each character begins to find out what they truly want and begin to love themselves (to a certain extent).
While I was initially sold on the film due to Arjona and Johnson teaming up, Splitsville actually doesn’t have many scenes with the girlies together. Instead, it is Marvin’s character, Carey, is who captured my attention and emotions through the film. You find yourself feeling bad for him, but wanting him to be truly happy, and realizing that it’s possible happiness doesn’t lie with either of these women. From seeing his ex-wife parade countless new men around their home to catching his new girl having sex with her ex-husband, he just doesn’t deserve the hand he is dealt.
Splitsville’s Cast Will Entertain You The Whole Way Through
The comedic moments in the film really land, no matter how serious the situation is transpiring on screen. At one point, we get Arjona singing The Fray, and it’s sweet yet cringe (in a good way) all at the same time. The calm, yet detailed dialogue from various scenes was a big win, but the few cinematic moments also heavily contributed.
As previously mentioned, there is a part where Ashley has many lovers coming in and out of the house, but the way the camera pans and captures her in a new outfit with a new guy every few seconds, all in one swift motion, was brilliant. Kudos to whoever landed on that approach, as it was a solid way of showing how much time had been passing.
Overall, Splitsville is a very likable comedy that will entertain you from the moment the film begins. You may come for the A-list names like Arjona and Johnson, but it’s the chaos between Covin and Marvin’s characters that will give you the most bang for your buck. It’s truly unhinged in the wildest ways, but at the center of it all, there’s this emotional piece that will linger with you to the final scene.
Splitsville hits theaters on August 22, 2025, after it had its initial premiere at Cannes back in May.
