Reviving Laughter in Cinema: A Closer Look at ‘Splitsville’

Reviving Laughter in Cinema: A Closer Look at ‘Splitsville’

Comedy on the big screen has struggled to maintain its allure in recent years. A notable example occurred in January 2016 when Ridley Scott’s film “The Martian” captured the Golden Globe for Best Comedy. This raises a pressing question: Where are the truly funny films that dominated the box office in years past? Titles such as “Anchorman,” “Superbad,” and “Bridesmaids” seem like distant memories, replaced by dramatic offerings that often feature only mild humor. It prompts one to wonder, why can’t cinema deliver films crafted simply for the joy of laughter?

For 2025, there are hopeful signs that the comedy genre may be on the verge of resurgence. Multiple comedic films have delighted audiences this year, reviving that long-forgotten sound of genuine laughter in theaters. Strong contenders for this revival include A24’s “Friendship,” the reboot of Paramount’s “Naked Gun,” and Disney’s “Freakier Friday.”

Adding to this positive trend is Neon’s latest comedy, “Splitsville.”

Starting with a split, as the title implies, “Splitsville” introduces Carey, a well-meaning yet naive gym teacher portrayed by Kyle Marvin. His world is turned upside down when his beautiful wife, Ashley, played by Adria Arjona, reveals her desire for a divorce after merely a year of marriage. To add insult to injury, she admits to being unfaithful, hesitating as she dodges questions concerning the extent of her infidelity.

In need of support, Carey seeks help from his self-assured best friend, Paul, played by Michael Angelo Covino, and his wife, Julie, portrayed by Dakota Johnson. The trio was headed to visit Paul and Julie at their lavish beach house. However, Paul and Julie’s revelation that they maintain an open marriage leads to unexpected complications. They argue that their arrangement preserves the integrity of their relationship. Chaos ensues when Carey and Julie share an intimate moment, sparking jealousy from Paul. This culminates in one of the film’s highlights: a hilariously executed fight scene featuring an unforgettable “fish slap.”

The tension escalates further when Carey introduces the idea of an open marriage to Ashley. Suddenly, Carey finds himself in an increasingly precarious living situation, as Ashley brings over numerous lovers, all of whom he becomes friends with. The entire situation reaches a boiling point during a chaotic birthday party for Paul and Julie’s son, filled with anxiety and unexpected confrontations.

Marvin and Covino share remarkable chemistry on screen. Their collaboration extends beyond acting; both produced and co-wrote “Splitsville,” while Covino directed. This film marks their second joint effort, following the well-received “The Climb,” which unfortunately faced challenges in its release during the pandemic.

Their artistic synergy translates into their performances. Marvin shines as the lovable loser, Carey, and showcases an unexpected level of vulnerability, including a feat of full-frontal nudity. Covino balances his character’s arrogant persona with moments of softness as his life begins to unravel.

While Johnson and Arjona have often been sidelined in their previous roles, they take center stage in “Splitsville,” significantly aided by Covino and Marvin’s sharp screenplay. In her role, Johnson embraces the opportunity to experiment, portraying a mother with a strong sexual identity who feels resentment toward her husband’s freedom to pursue affairs under the pretense of “work” commitments.

The true scene-stealers, however, are Ashley’s various one-night stands and boyfriends. Notable performances include Nicholas Braun from “Succession” as the uptight mentalist, Matt, and Charlie Gillespie, whose breakout character, the wannabe rocker Jackson, hilariously makes himself way too comfortable in Carey and Ashley’s increasingly cramped apartment.

In “Splitsville,” Covino once again infuses artistry into comedy, blending a retro aesthetic into his filmmaking. This film was shot on film, allowing for an organic nostalgic quality. Cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra captures frenetic energy, reminiscent of his earlier work on Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” particularly through his impressive tracking shots. The score, composed by David Wingo and Dabney Morris, emerges as another character, contributing significantly to the film’s overall atmosphere.

While “Splitsville” could serve as a cautionary tale regarding the increasingly popular notion of open relationships, it’s essential to note that this was not the film’s primary intent. Covino himself addressed this point during a screening and Q&A in Chicago. When asked about the movie’s message regarding such taboo topics, he stated, “We don’t really believe in putting messages in movies. The goal is to entertain.”

Isn’t that the essence of comedy? To entertain and spark laughter? Even satirical comedies must fulfill this requirement. It is no surprise that audiences have faced a dearth of true comedic gems. Leave the heavy messages for dramatic storytelling.

As I embark on my journey of film reviews for Fox News Digital, let me clarify the criteria I will apply. First, I will assign ratings based on a four-star scale to honor legendary film critic Roger Ebert. Second, my evaluations will focus on entertainment value, artistic merit, and originality. Lastly, in our streaming age, I will provide a verdict indicating whether each film deserves a trip to the theater, merits waiting for streaming, or should simply be skipped.

Now, onto the all-important verdict.

Quality comedies have grown scarce in the past decade, making the emergence of one worth celebrating all the more special. Bursting with uninhibited joy, “Splitsville” stands out as a delightful screwball comedy that continuously delivers laughs while establishing Covino and Marvin as talented filmmakers and performers to watch in the future.

“Splitsville” is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, and graphic nudity. Its runtime is 1 hour and 40 minutes. The film is currently in select theaters and will have a wider release on September 5, 2025.