Splitsville (2025): When Romantic Comedy Turns Dark

Rating: 4 out of 5.

From its very first sequence, Splitsville makes it clear that it is a comedy willing to take risks without hesitation. The film ventures into the realm of adult comedies that push black humor to the extreme while probing themes that go well beyond the boundaries of the traditional romantic comedy. It quickly becomes evident that this is a movie that may struggle to connect with mainstream audiences, especially those drawn in by the promise of a lighthearted romantic entanglement suggested by its premise.

Director, writer, and star Michael Angelo Covino finds a way for the story to rise above expectations thanks to the freshness he brings to an otherwise oversaturated genre. Covino presents a familiar setup: couples facing difficulties in their relationships who must navigate a challenging path before reaching any form of resolution. The four central characters function as opposing forces, and it is precisely from this contrast that the film’s dramatic strength emerges. Covino also skillfully blends physical comedy with sharp, biting dialogue, resulting in humor that borders on cynicism yet works remarkably well.

Without straying from its core identity, Splitsville introduces a subtext that examines marital relationships from a critical perspective, openly mocking the traditional problems of married life. Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, and Covino himself deliver strong performances and share an impressive on-screen chemistry. This ensemble becomes one of the film’s cornerstones, allowing us to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Their decisions, reactions, and the consequences they face genuinely matter.

Splitsville is an extremely entertaining film, driven by a brisk pace and a sharp reflection on life and romantic relationships. It takes the risk of being crude when necessary, and that boldness pays off. What emerges is an adult comedy that feels like an unusual blend of There’s Something About Mary and Sideways. Through its use of black humor, the film delivers a social exploration that oscillates between the absurd and the painfully honest. exaggerated, irreverent, yet strikingly precise and thoroughly engaging.

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