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Geek Vibes Nation
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
‘Splitsville' Review: A Tender, Hilarious And Balanced Portrayal Of Love, Friendship And Open Relationships [Cannes 2025]
Going through a divorce is never pleasant, apart from in the latest movie by Michael Angelo Covino. After taking The Climb to La Croisette in 2019, Covino is returning to Cannes. We're still unsure why Splitsville is a 'Out of Competition' feature, as it's a work that deserves all the accolades it can get. The film is the perfect example of a work that becomes better with each scene. What starts as an explosive unravelling of marriage becomes a tender, hilarious and balanced work about love, friendship and… open relationships. Yes, 'open relationships'. You read that correctly. This edition of Cannes certainly is quite a daring one. After seeing Pillion, which features a BDSM agreement between Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, Splitsville turns the sexiness and steaminess up a notch. There might be less nudity and sex, but there are much more parties involved. The lead cast is quite significant because of the multiple open relationships. You have the four main leads, whose dynamics will change, but also the fuckbuddies on the side, who might become more than that. In an ensemble work like this, some characters are often overlooked and/or underdeveloped because each character needs at least some screen time. However, that's not the case here. No, Covino and co-writer and co-lead Kyle Marvin take their time to cut out well-rounded characters with the necessary individuality and personality. This allows you to fully understand their true (sexual) desires and their journey. And what a journey it is, especially for Carey (Marvin), the traditional husband who wants the whole shebang (wife, marriage and kids) with Ashley (Adria Arjona). However, after Ashley abruptly dumps him on the spot – which is in the middle of the highway – Carey angrily, sadly, and most of all confused, runs to the place of his best friends Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Covino). That run from the highway to the house is already a major indicator that this work will be full of hilarious encounters and wildly entertaining moments. While there are undoubtedly be some scenes in which the cast and crew take it too far, this movie has an excellent balance between hilarity and big emotions. Paul arrives at his friends' place in the hope of finding advice, comfort, and a temporary bed, but what he gets there is much more life-changing than he could have ever imagined. After finding out that their stable marriage is based on an open relationship, a whole new world opens for Paul. A world in which there's not such a thing as embarrassment or judgment. Covino allows his characters to make mistakes, pursue unconventional relationships, and find out who they really are, even later in life. That lack of judgment and the bigger focus on what it's like to be human makes this feature so intriguing, touching and enthralling. It also certainly sets the film aside from other similar works, and even more, because this movie truly feels like a film. It's entirely shot on gorgeous and textured-looking 35mm, while it's also not too stylized, visual, and directional. Instead of relying on over-the-top cinematography, the filmmaker uses more natural-looking visuals, real-life-sounding conversation and the dynamic energy generated by the cast. This more subdued but dynamic approach ensures that the audience can truly feel what's happening on the screen while allowing the cast to immerse themselves in the role. Johnson (The High Note, Am I Ok?) certainly delivers the most multilayered performance in this work. This is because her character has to endure her unconventional marriage and, deep down, some sadness while trying to be there for her son and friend in need. It might take a while to show her fantastic acting skills truly, but once she does that, she delivers scene-stealing and remarkable acting. Equally scene-stealing but less present is Arjona as Ashley. Right off the bat of Hitman, Arjona now shows an even more hilarious performance. Her comedic timing is extremely impressive, while the sexual awakening of her character guarantees some of the most intense scenes. After Ashley discovers what an open relationship can mean to her, her plan to make her ex jealous completely backfires. Instead of Carey violently going after them, he becomes friends with them, helping them with finding work and organizing game nights. Speaking of Carey, Marvin is excellent as this loveable, laid-back, and feisty lover. What starts as a more timid performance becomes more raunchy and entertaining. That first big fight scene between Carey and Paul certainly got a massive cheer from the Cannes audience, and it's easy to see why. Marvin's electric performance becomes even more enthralling because of Covino's more physical and aggressive acting. Both men have worked together in the past (on The Climb), resulting in very naturally looking, impeccable chemistry and believable performances. Splitsville certainly is one of the best discoveries of the Cannes Film Festival this year. It's a great reminder that there are still American comedies out there that, while it doesn't take itself truly seriously, work after all. Not only because of the incredible dynamic between the cast and the absurd but entertaining script but also because of the humanness and down-to-earth aspect. The screwball comedy with a lot of heart will have you laughing out loud through its 90-minute runtime. Splitsville was screened during the Cannes Film Festival and is out in US theatres on the 22nd of August courtesy of NEON
Geek Vibes Nation
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
'Splitsville' Review: A Tender, Hilarious And Balanced Portrayal Of Love, Friendship And Open Relationships
Going through a divorce is never pleasant, apart from in the latest movie by Michael Angelo Covino. After taking The Climb to La Croisette in 2019, Covino is returning to Cannes. We're still unsure why Splitsville is a 'Out of Competition' feature, as it's a work that deserves all the accolades it can get. The film is the perfect example of a work that becomes better with each scene. What starts as an explosive unravelling of marriage becomes a tender, hilarious and balanced work about love, friendship and… open relationships. Yes, 'open relationships'. You read that correctly. This edition of Cannes certainly is quite a daring one. After seeing Pillion , which features a BDSM agreement between Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, Splitsville turns the sexiness and steaminess up a notch. There might be less nudity and sex, but there are much more parties involved. The lead cast is quite significant because of the multiple open relationships. You have the four main leads, whose dynamics will change, but also the fuckbuddies on the side, who might become more than that. In an ensemble work like this, some characters are often overlooked and/or underdeveloped because each character needs at least some screen time. However, that's not the case here. No, Covino and co-writer and co-lead Kyle Marvin take their time to cut out well-rounded characters with the necessary individuality and personality. This allows you to fully understand their true (sexual) desires and their journey. And what a journey it is, especially for Carey (Marvin), the traditional husband who wants the whole shebang (wife, marriage and kids) with Ashley (Adria Arjona). However, after Ashley abruptly dumps him on the spot – which is in the middle of the highway – Carey angrily, sadly, and most of all confused, runs to the place of his best friends Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Covino). That run from the highway to the house is already a major indicator that this work will be full of hilarious encounters and wildly entertaining moments. While there are undoubtedly be some scenes in which the cast and crew take it too far, this movie has an excellent balance between hilarity and big emotions. Paul arrives at his friends' place in the hope of finding advice, comfort, and a temporary bed, but what he gets there is much more life-changing than he could have ever imagined. After finding out that their stable marriage is based on an open relationship, a whole new world opens for Paul. A world in which there's not such a thing as embarrassment or judgment. Covino allows his characters to make mistakes, pursue unconventional relationships, and find out who they really are, even later in life. That lack of judgment and the bigger focus on what it's like to be human makes this feature so intriguing, touching and enthralling. It also certainly sets the film aside from other similar works, and even more, because this movie truly feels like a film. It's entirely shot on gorgeous and textured-looking 35mm, while it's also not too stylized, visual, and directional. Instead of relying on over-the-top cinematography, the filmmaker uses more natural-looking visuals, real-life-sounding conversation and the dynamic energy generated by the cast. This more subdued but dynamic approach ensures that the audience can truly feel what's happening on the screen while allowing the cast to immerse themselves in the role. Johnson ( The High Note , Am I Ok? ) certainly delivers the most multilayered performance in this work. This is because her character has to endure her unconventional marriage and, deep down, some sadness while trying to be there for her son and friend in need. It might take a while to show her fantastic acting skills truly, but once she does that, she delivers scene-stealing and remarkable acting. Equally scene-stealing but less present is Arjona as Ashley. Right off the bat of Hitman , Arjona now shows an even more hilarious performance. Her comedic timing is extremely impressive, while the sexual awakening of her character guarantees some of the most intense scenes. After Ashley discovers what an open relationship can mean to her, her plan to make her ex jealous completely backfires. Instead of Carey violently going after them, he becomes friends with them, helping them with finding work and organizing game nights. Speaking of Carey, Marvin is excellent as this loveable, laid-back, and feisty lover. What starts as a more timid performance becomes more raunchy and entertaining. That first big fight scene between Carey and Paul certainly got a massive cheer from the Cannes audience, and it's easy to see why. Marvin's electric performance becomes even more enthralling because of Covino's more physical and aggressive acting. Both men have worked together in the past (on The Climb ), resulting in very naturally looking, impeccable chemistry and believable performances. Splitsville certainly is one of the best discoveries of the Cannes Film Festival this year. It's a great reminder that there are still American comedies out there that, while it doesn't take itself truly seriously, work after all. Not only because of the incredible dynamic between the cast and the absurd but entertaining script but also because of the humanness and down-to-earth aspect. The screwball comedy with a lot of heart will have you laughing out loud through its 90-minute runtime. Splitsville was screened during the Cannes Film Festival and is out in US theatres on the 22nd of August courtesy of NEON
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Relationship expert details the shocking realities of ethical non-monogamy
Data shows that more than 20 percent of Americans have been in some sort of non-monogamous or open relationship at some point in their lives. So if one-fifth of the country is taking part in this kind of non-traditional relationship, why is 'ethical non-monogamy' so frowned upon? In a nation that seems to be becoming more and more polarized, Amanda Wilson - co-founder of the #Open app - says that the key to bridging this understanding is to have conversations. And that's exactly what she did. Wilson is an executive producer to the film titled OPEN - a documentary that follows the different stories of Americans in open relationships. But in interviews that included more than 100 hours and spanned across farther than 40,000 miles, Wilson wanted to do more than just highlight ethically non-monogamous people - she wanted to center women. 'Women are trending up and we're doing things different,' Wilson told the 'So, that means that we're choosing to do relationships differently.' And rather than simply conforming to mainstream ideas of what their love and sex lives should look like, Wilson said that women are starting to take advantage of their bodily autonomy. A big part of tackling this is examining the shame that they have been conditioned to have. 'Unfortunately, society has has raised us [into] thinking that there is shame in pleasure and specifically shame in women seeking pleasure,' she said. 'So when we take out the shame, that is when women especially can find their true identity, find what makes them happy, find what kind of kinks and interests it is that they may have.' And for some women, this happens through ethical non-monogamy - and there are many different ways to lean into the practice. There's polyamory, swinging, throuples, polyfidelity, and much more. Wilson explained that when people choose to be in these kinds of relationships, they find themselves on a journey to self-growth. 'The thing with people that are in this lifestyle is they're going to challenge jealousy and codependency right from the beginning,' she said. 'And they know that that is a process.' 'That's something that we are always working on and, and need to work on, but trying to kind of hide behind the, the veil of monogamy, I think, gives people kind of an out [of having] to work on their issues.' But that doesn't mean Wilson is anti-monogamy. In fact, she thinks that one of the most damaging stereotypes of people in open relationships is that they're against monogamy. 'We're not against monogamy,' she said. 'I think monogamy is great and beautiful and wonderful... for two people that have sat down and chosen that relationship style.' For those who don't believe that one person can fulfill all of their romantic, sexual, or companionship needs, she wants to raise awareness about ethical non-monogamy and its prevalence so that they know they don't have limit themselves - even if the world encourages them to. OPEN isn't about giving raunchy details about people who are sleeping with multiple people. 'People that are in the lifestyle, they're also just looking for community,' Wilson explained. 'It is so little about sex and dating and so much more about just finding people that you can be yourself with.' Wilson said she hopes that with this film, she can tackle some of the other unfair stigmas ethically non-monogamous people face. She explained that a majority of monogamous people who were asked about ethical non-monogamy said that they were 'disgusted' by people who practiced the lifestyle. And they often believed damaging stereotypes about polyamorous people, for example, including that they don't have good hygiene. But she doesn't think that just showing their stories alone will challenge these ideas - this is why Wilson also opted to include therapists, sociologists, and researchers in 'OPEN'. Therapists in particular were important to Wilson to include, mostly because of the bad experiences ethically non-monogamous people have had with mental health experts. Those who aren't understanding of the relationship practice often end up invalidating other's experiences or encouraging them to end their relationships. Meanwhile, the issues in their relationships or personal lives aren't a result of their lifestyle, but rather the same very-human things that plague anyone else. By including a wide array of different voices, Wilson and her team hope that those who are interested in the lifestyle know that it isn't as taboo as they think. And she believes that the youth will spearhead the movement. 'I think the younger generation... they've they've seen their parents, they they've seen divorce, they've seen their friends' parents get divorced and they're not convinced that monogamy is the only answer,' Wilson said. 'And they're looking for for different choices. 'So we need to to get the word out there that there are ways to do things differently.' Wilson said that now is as good a time as any to get this message across - especially considering how divided the nation is. '[Ethical non-monogamy] is still not something that is recognized or protected or just generally accepted,' she said. 'So we need to do our work to] get the word out and get the information out and continue to organize and push back, because we are we are going to be facing challenges in the coming years.'
