Trailer for “Splitsville” Released
The trailer for “Splitsville,” featuring Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, and Michael Angelo Covino, has just dropped. The film is now showing in theaters and will have a wide release on September 5, 2025.
It seems that comedy has been on the decline in cinemas recently. A notable example is Ridley Scott’s “Mars,” which won the Golden Globe for Best Comedy back in January 2016. Has humor really faded away? Films like “Anchorman,” “Superbad,” and “Bridesmaids” used to dominate the scene, but now we’ve mostly seen dramas sprinkled with light comedy or humor overshadowed by darker themes. It’s puzzling, really.
But there’s a glimmer of hope! Maybe, just maybe, 2025 will be the year comedy starts to make a comeback. Some films this year have successfully brought back genuine laughter, a sound that has been strangely absent from theaters. A24’s “Friendship,” the revamped “Naked Gun” from Paramount, and Disney’s “Freakier Friday” have all contributed to this revival.
And now, we have another contender: the vibrant “Splitsville.”
Ending of Hollywood’s “Progressive Snowflake Era”?
“Splitsville” kicks off with a twist. Carrie (played by Kyle Marvin), a well-meaning but simple gym teacher, is shattered when his glamorous wife, Ashley (Adria Arjona), enters the scene. The awkwardness is palpable, especially when Carrie is questioned about the times he’s been unfaithful.
Seeking solace, Carrie turns to his audacious best friends—Paul (Michael Angelo Covino) and his wife, Julie (Dakota Johnson). They shock Carrie by revealing they’re in an open marriage, suggesting that such arrangements could strengthen their bond. But the situation spirals quickly when Carrie and Julie end up together, infuriating Paul and resulting in one of the most bizarre and meticulously choreographed fight scenes we’ve witnessed lately, complete with absurdity.
The tangled relationship web expands even further when Carrie introduces Ashley to the idea of an open marriage. While Carrie pursues his own romantic interests, they also develop a friendship. All this culminates in an anxiety-inducing birthday party for Paul and Julie’s son, setting the stage for chaos.
Incredible Chemistry Behind the Scenes
Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin, who not only star but also co-wrote and produced “Splitsville,” display a remarkable chemistry that’s hard to miss. This marks their second collaboration following “The Climb,” which had an unfortunate release during the pandemic. Their talent translates well on-screen, with Marvin portraying Carrie as an endearing underdog, even in his vulnerable moments, while Covino showcases the complexities of Paul—a mix of bravado and fragility.
Meanwhile, Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona shine in their roles, bringing comedic qualities that are cleverly highlighted through Covino and Marvin’s script. Johnson, in particular, seems to relish her character, a mother who is somewhat scandalous, contrasting sharply with her usually more serious roles.
Adding comedic depth are supporting characters, including Nicholas Brown and Charlie Gillespie, who bring their own flair to the ensemble, contributing to a series of humorous interactions that keep the energy flowing.
Covino brings an artistic touch to the storytelling, reminiscent of some classic comedic styles. The film is visually dynamic, thanks in part to cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra, whose chase scenes stand out, matching the film’s eccentric energy. The music by David Wingo and Dabney Morris also plays a significant role, almost becoming characters in their own right.
Exploring Relationships Through Humor
“Splitsville” reflects on the trend of open relationships, but does it really preach a message? During a Q&A at a Chicago screening, Covino clarified that he doesn’t see the film’s goal as delivering a message. “We don’t believe in the concept of a film’s message,” he explained, emphasizing that the primary purpose of storytelling is entertainment.
Isn’t laughter what we really need? Even satire must evoke that response. It’s no surprise that humor has felt scarce recently.
Verdict:
Now, for my first review here, I have a few guidelines to follow. In homage to the renowned Roger Ebert, I’ll rate on a four-star scale rather than five. My criteria focus mainly on entertainment value, artistic merit, and originality. Furthermore, I’ll indicate whether I think it’s worth seeing in theaters, waiting for streaming, or skipping altogether.
So, here’s the bottom line…
“Splitsville” is a refreshing piece of fun that stands out in a decade where quality comedies have become few and far between. It’s a joyful ride that showcases Covino and Marvin as emerging talents in the industry.
★★★½ – Worth a view
“Splitsville” is rated R for strong language, sexual content, and graphic nudity. Its runtime is 1 hour and 40 minutes. Catch it in a theater near you, with a wide release on September 5, 2025.
