“SPLITSVILLE” Review

Now Playing In Theaters

Review by Joy Parris: Splitsville is a movie that reminds you how funny relationships can be. It also shows how messy they really are. It’s smart, hilarious, and a little bit crazy—in the best way. When the writing is this clever and sharp, magic really does happen on screen. This isn’t your typical Hallmark love story. There are no fairy-tale endings here, just the real-life complications of love, commitment, and honesty. The film peels back the layers of relationships. It shows us that sometimes, love teaches you things you weren’t ready to learn.

Ashley (Adria Arjona) and Carey (Kyle Marvin) start their story by driving along. They sing their favorite songs and clearly enjoy each other’s company. It feels warm and lighthearted—until Ashley suddenly drops the bomb that she wants a divorce. Carey is blindsided. In one of the funniest scenes, he literally jumps out of the car. He bolts like he’s on fire. From there, Carey turns to his best friend Paul (Michael Angelo Covino) for support. Paul’s wife Julie (Dakota Johnson) also offers her support. Only then does he get hit with another surprise. Instead of comfort, Paul reveals that the secret to his happy marriage with Julie is an open relationship. That revelation sends the story in unpredictable directions. It mixes laugh-out-loud comedy with moments that sting a little too close to home.

Watching Splitsville evokes other films that explore the cracks in relationships. These include Scenes from a Marriage or Marriage Story. Those films lean heavily on drama. In contrast, this one dances between cringe and comedy. It is closer in spirit to the biting wit of The Overnight or even Couples Retreat. It’s not afraid to make you laugh while you squirm, exposing the absurdity of love right alongside its heartbreak.

Michael Angelo Covino, who not only stars but directs, proves he has a natural feel for tone and timing. He doesn’t force the comedy, instead letting awkward silences, uncomfortable confessions, and sudden bursts of chaos land on their own. That restraint makes the humor sharper and the emotional moments more believable. His directing style feels intimate, almost like we’re eavesdropping on these couples as they stumble through their messes. He uses confident pacing to keep the story alive. He knows when to let a scene breathe. He also knows when to pull the rug out from under us.

What stands out most about Splitsville is that it never takes the easy way out. Covino and co-writer Kyle Marti lean into storytelling that feels modern and grown-up—messy, complicated, and sharp around the edges. At times, the film is outrageous. Other times, it is heartfelt. Still, it is always honest. This film is a refreshing reminder that love doesn’t come with a road map. A comedy for adults who appreciate humor with a touch of truth, then add Splitsville to your watch list.

Directed by: Michael Angelo Covino
Written by: Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin
Starring: Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin, Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona

Opt-In Form

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Comments

GDPR Agreement *

• I consent to having this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry.

Submit