Splitsville

Synopsis: After Ashley  asks for a divorce, good-natured Carey  runs to his friends, Julie and Paul for support. He's shocked to discover that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage, that is until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos. 

Movie Review:

"Splitsville," directed by Michael Angelo Covino, is an original comedy that is both hilarious and romantic, infused with silliness and heartfelt moments, making it one of my favorite films of the year. The charm of this movie lies in the awkward situations that the two couples find themselves in, which render it relatable and genuinely funny. Kyle Marvin portrays Carey, delivering a wonderfully humorous performance; his character is so loving, kind, and caring that it is impossible not to fall for him due to his likability in this role. Adria Arjona plays Ashley, Carey’s wife, who desires a divorce; she completely captivates the audience with her humor, beauty, and the desire to engage in an open relationship. The chemistry between these two actors is remarkable and feels authentic. Dakota Johnson plays Julie, the wife of Carey’s best friend, with whom he embarks on a romantic relationship. She delivers one of the finest performances of her career, showcasing a blend of humor, sympathy, and subtlety that makes her character endearing. Michael Angelo Covino also plays Paul, Julie’s husband, delivering an immature, chaotic, and childish performance that occasionally renders him unlikable, yet still manages to evoke laughter. Despite his acting, Covino excels behind the camera, skillfully portraying the evolution, separation, and reconciliation of these two relationships, which adds to the film's authenticity and enjoyment. There are moments when the chaos feels overwhelming, particularly in the third act during a birthday party filled with unexpected events. Nevertheless, aside from the third act, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, from the tumultuous relationships to the stellar performances and the laugh-out-loud moments that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I am rating "Splitsville" a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Director: Michael Angelo Covino 

Cast: Kyle Marvin, Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Michael Angelo Covino, Simon Webster, Charlie Gillespie, David Castneda, O-T Fagbenle, Nathema Ricci, Tyrone Benskin and Nicholas Braun 

Runtime: 105 Minutes