The Wasteland Reviewer

Splitsville (2025) Written Review

 What lengths would you go for to keep your marriage together? The new indie romantic comedy Splitsville certainly takes this notion to a whole new level. The wild flick from writer/star/director Michael Angelo Covino sets up two marriages to fail from the start and the wild journey that takes these four people is quite fascinating. This quirky, hilarious, unhinged, and thematically rich romantic comedy (of sorts) has quite the quartet at the center with Covino, Dakota Johnson (his wife), Kyle Marvin (his best friend), and Adria Arjona (his best friend’s wife). Covino certainly has plenty of ideas about marriage to explore in this new film. 

Does Covino craft a compelling experience with plenty of entertaining elements as well? This film has even more laughs than it probably has ideas (which is a great thing). Covino finds the right balance of humor and emotion throughout. There is a dry atmosphere around the film the gives the four leads (and the rest of the cast) the space to deliver plenty of dry humor (which certainly matches Covino, Marvin, and Johnson’s sensibilities for humor. There are so many laughs throughout the film and some of the staged gags will get riotous reactions from the audience. Let’s just say you shouldn’t bring bags of goldfish onto a rollercoaster. You shouldn’t run away from your problems either (literally). A nice stage flaccid penis as the button on a joke can go a long way too. There are some impressive line deliveries everywhere, plenty of great situation humor, and some truly awkward and uncomfortable exchanges that really tie the film together. Covino and cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra deliver some inspired camerawork that make this film feel like it has some real artistry behind it and a truly engrossing feel. The most unexpected element of the film is a wild and unhinged fight sequence that is better shot, better staged, and better choreographed than many modern action movies.

Does the material from Covino and Marvin match the effort behind the camera? In many ways it does. Splitsville is a clever and sharply written comedy that has plenty of impressive ideas on display. Not every choice in the character motivation department feels earned but there are still plenty of things the film explores that feel compelling and interesting. There are a few character choices that feel out of place or overly simple for convenience’s sake. The film puts these relationships in specific places at the beginning of the film, and it feels like it simplifies all the complexities of the story to reach a specific ending. The middle third of the film can feel a little convoluted and messy as it introduces plenty of new characters in succession. Outside of the ending, the journey these characters go on feels earned, engaging, and thought provoking. The biggest selling point of the whole film is just how interesting and engaging the central quartet really is. Each character brings something unique to the table, and they thrive in this experimental approach to the overall narrative. There is something deeply meta contextual around the story which gives it additional dimensions to explore as you experience it. 

What element of the film really ties the whole proceedings together? This cast is excellent. Marvin is big, awkward, kind, and silly in the most endearing, teddy bear type of vibe. He is the most outwardly “good” of the group even if Marvin shows some darker and vindictive streaks. We cannot help but love him even when Marvin is showing insecurities and some negative actions that you might not expect from his character. Covino delivers a cool, distinct, and controlling performance as a roguish businessman who is too insecure to really confront his much more attractive wife. Said wife is portrayed by Johnson who just brings a more subtle performance which relies on plenty of reactions and small facial choices to explore them. Johnson is on a great streak in her career. Arjona is electric and vibrant which brings the film a special atmosphere which is lacking in the rest of the main cast. Her unique vibe and perspective make her an excellent choice for the film. The rest of the ensemble is filled with committed and fun performances which give the film more personality and depth. 

Is Splitsville a new comedy to keep people coming back to the theater for laughs? There are plenty of opportunities for the audience to laugh throughout this increasingly funny romp. There are some writing choices for the characters that feel a bit cheap or frustrating, but these are plenty of strong elements to keep you thinking. Covino and company made a special little comedy that has some strong filmmaker techniques as well.