Splitsville: A Comic Take on Flawed Open Relationships

The article discusses *Splitsville*, a new comedy written by and starring Kyle Marvin and Michael Angelo Covino, exploring the theme of open marriages through humour and chaos rather than realism. The film follows Carey (Marvin) and Ashley (Adria Arjona), an unhappily married couple who decide to try an open relationship instead of divorcing, inspired by their friends Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Covino). However, things quickly unravel as none of the characters follow the essential principles of ethical non‑monogamy, such as clear rules, boundaries, and communication.

The author argues that, although the film comes at a time when polyamory and ethical non‑monogamy are entering mainstream discussions, *Splitsville* does not take these practices seriously. Instead, it uses them as a vehicle for comic conflict and male misbehaviour. The film’s chaotic events—ranging from physical fights to financial fraud—serve more as narrative spectacle than as genuine explorations of alternative relationship dynamics. The piece draws a comparison with *Fifty Shades of Grey*, another film that used non-normative sexuality as a metaphor rather than a serious subject. In *Splitsville*, women behave with relatively more restraint, while men spiral into disorder. Ultimately, the article suggests that the real casualty is the concept of ethical non‑monogamy itself, reduced to a messy comedic device rather than a legitimate lifestyle portrayal.