Michael Angelo Covino’s Splitsville is a comedic gem that takes the well-worn rom-com genre and flips it into a chaotic exploration of open relationships. Directed by Covino and co-written with his longtime collaborator Kyle Marvin, this follow-up to their 2019 indie gem The Climb showcases their knack for sharp wit. Starring Covino, Marvin, Dakota Johnson, and Adria Arjona, the film dives headfirst into the complexities of modern romance with a screwball sensibility. From its opening scene—a hilariously disastrous car ride that sets the tone for the mayhem to come—Splitsville establishes itself as a bold, unapologetic comedy that dares to revel in the awkwardness of love gone astray.
The story kicks off with Carey (Marvin) and Ashley (Arjona), a couple married for just over a year, whose seemingly happy road trip takes a dark turn after witnessing a fatal accident. This moment prompts Ashley to abruptly demand a divorce, citing her desire for sexual exploration. Bewildered, Carey treks to the Hamptons home of his best friend Paul (Covino) and Paul’s wife Julie (Johnson), who reveal their open marriage as the secret to their happiness. What follows is a cascade of misunderstandings, betrayals, and bed-hopping that spirals into gloriously absurd territory.
The ensemble cast is a major strength, with each actor bringing distinct energy to the tangled love romp. Kyle Marvin’s Carey is a lovable “loser”, his bumbling charm masking a deeper struggle with self-worth. Dakota Johnson shines as Julie, her dry wit and luminous presence grounding the chaos. Adria Arjona’s Ashley, however, steals the show with her portrayal of a woman embracing her freedom, only to find her exes lingering like unwanted houseguests.
The film’s humor, is a consistent high point, blending sharp dialogue with visual gags that land with precision. From a montage of Ashley’s lovers piling up in Carey’s apartment, to Nicholas Braun’s hilarious cameo as a mentalist at a child’s birthday party, Splitsville keeps the laughs coming at a fast pace. The script, co-written by Covino and Marvin, draws inspiration from 1930s screwball comedies and 1970s adult rom-coms, but updates the formula with a modern lens on polyamory.
Splitsville is a wildly entertaining ride that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers about love, sex, or fidelity. It’s content to revel in the mess, delivering a comedy that’s laugh-out-loud funny. While it may not reach the emotional depths of The Climb, it cements Covino and Marvin as a comedic duo to watch, with a knack for finding humor in the human condition.
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