Modern dating is often described as confusing, bleak and chaotic. At a time like this, comedies have the opportunity to present this experience and poke fun at it – otherwise, we’ll all go insane.
Splitville (2025), directed and written by Michael Angelo Covino, is a comedy/romance about two married couples with stark problems that become even more complicated. Carey, co-writer Kyle Marvin, is married to Ashley and is seemingly more in love than she is. This slight one-sided bliss comes to an end when she abruptly asks for a divorce, driving Casey to insanity. Carey’s best friend, Paul, does marriage differently. The key to his marriage with his wife Julie, played by Dakota Johnson, is a loving, open marriage.
Written by real-life friends Covino and Walker, Splitville focuses on friends navigating the unknowns of marriage. Marriage is not something that can be practised, and the actions of the characters showcase this difficulty. In a world where individuals have so many choices and are met with constant instability, it has made it harder than ever. Many have described this film as the “anti-rom-com”, which suits it perfectly. It does provide some of the cosy feelings from rom-coms, yet doesn’t create this dream ideal of relationships; it showcases the ugly. In this instance, the ugly gets in the way of friends – another issue perhaps with dating in general. This is presented through slapstick comedy, particularly Casey getting battered throughout the film. Though one of the fight scenes felt like it went on for a bit too long, it captured the pain of betrayal felt amongst two friends but also how unreasonable their anger towards one another felt when reflecting on their own actions. Friendships are messy, just as much as romantic relationships can be.
Dakota Johnson’s Julie works quite well as a mother married to a man with many irredeemable qualities. It was interesting to see how she’d navigate a film very similarly described as a romance comedy like Materialists (2025) and Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) — the latter being a personal favourite. All three films take a stance on modern dating, including the fear of marriage check box dating and age gap relationships. Johnson works well in these types of movies, and here her character is a grounding element to the slapstick and dry comedy as a character that seeked love and stability. Although often embedded with comedic undertones, her more dramatic scenes with Paul and Casey held up the romantic side as her character explores complex emotions, insecurity and isolation. Adria Arjona’s Ashley, quite the opposite of Julie, admires spontaneity and options in dating. Some of her scenes were personal favourites, borrowing classic tropes from romcoms. For instance, when she tries to get her husband back by passionately singing to him.
Adding to the chaos are side characters that are absurd and random yet add so much fun to this movie. In particular, including a mind-reader within a group of characters who fail at communicating well with one another was an excellent touch, especially in adding another element of silliness. The addition of the many exes living together in one house is also something out of the ordinary, yet the contrasting personalities and joint interests create hilarious moments for these characters. An honourable mention is also Julie and Paul’s child, who, unfortunately, has to deal with the consequences of his parents’ relationship. This caused him to act out, including continuously sinking a neighbour’s boat. Scenarios like this were funnier than a lot of the dialogue that was intended to get a laugh from the audience.
At times, it felt the comedy was a little forced and slowed the pace of the story, which meant it wasn’t as enjoyable as much, especially in the first half. However, the film manages to find a good rhythm with the addition of characters and the increased complexities in their relationships. Splitsville is a remarkably enjoyable time that almost pokes fun at how wild relationships can feel, not only when dating but in committed relationships. Individuals seek connection. Whether it’s with their questionable partners or strangers who become unlikely friends.
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