When Ashley asks for a divorce, the good-natured Carey runs to his friends, Julie and Paul, for support. Their secret to happiness is an open marriage; that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.

The best relationship stories are messy, which is probably why Splitsville is such a great, weird, funny film. Co-written by the two leads Kyle Marvin (who also directed) is Carey and Michael Angelo Covino is Paul, two lifelong friends whose intertwining lives (Carey is also Paul’s son’s gym teacher/soccer coach) get even more linked once Carey is dumped by his wife (Adria Arjona, showing that her star turn in Andor was no fluke) and learns that Paul has an open relationship with his wife Julie (reigning nepo queen Dakota Johnson, in probably the best use of her talents here). There’s more coupling and uncoupling and everyone learning about themselves and each other in continually funny ways.

Marvin and Covino have a great chemistry together, they’re obviously friends and are able to pull on that thread in the evolution of their characters’ shifting dynamics. From an early scene of Paul checking Carey for ticks in the shower, to an extended fight sequence that leaves Paul’s house in shambles.

The movie takes some surprising turns and moves at a breakneck speed. It’s funny, sweet and charming, and while it may not hold on to my memory to the end of the year, it’s still a worthy group of people to spend a couple hours with.

Jonathan’s grade – B