There’s something about a film that involves a romantic love triangle that always seems to make it special. Whether it be something more dramatic like Materialists or somewhat comical as Y tu mamá también, films that involve a threesome relationship often provide the most interesting stories.
Director Chad Hartigan seems to find himself in this space with his take on the subject, The Threesome. What Hartigan provides audiences with in his newest film is a rollercoaster of emotions that’s both rooted in realism and hinted at with a bit of sweet satire.
The Threesome follows Connor (Jonah Haeur-King), a former restaurant worker who wants to get into a real relationship with his former co-worker, Olivia (Zoey Deutch). When the two meet another woman, Jenny (Ruby Cruz), Connor and Olivia find themselves in a crazy night out.
However, when Connor realizes that Olivia and Jenny are both pregnant with what could be Connor’s child, they realize that their lives will never be the same. Through ups and downs, Connor, Olivia, and Jenny go through a journey of happiness, heartbreak, and self-realization that will change them forever.
The one thing that really makes Hartigan’s film stand out is its dedication to the realism in developing the main dynamic. Connor, Olivia, and Jenny aren’t cartoonishly malicious in trying to sabotage one another. Sure, at certain points, especially around the first act, it may feel like Olivia is trying to weasel her way back into Connor’s life.
Yet, over time, as we get to understand the trio’s main perspectives, so too are their reasons for finding love. The film reminds us that life and love are complicated, which is confidently proven throughout.
Connor wants to foster a new relationship without repeating the same mistakes he had with Olivia. Jenny also wants this emotional connection with Connor despite her slightly complicated familial comeuppance. On the other hand, Olivia simply wants to try something new, even if it means finding a way by herself.
Sure, this means that they may find themselves in complicated, if stereotypical, situations, like Connor and Jenny getting help from Olivia’s doctor at the exact point she shows up. Fortunately, the dialogue between the three of them feels naturally written, with only bits of cynicism popping out in the more awkward moments.
Although, that isn’t to say that the comical side of The Threesome doesn’t exist. In fact, most of the humor is carried by Connor’s friend, Greg (Jaboukie Young-White). Though Greg may initially act somewhat like the archetype of a supportive friend who inserts his own sexual euphemisms, he gradually develops a lighthearted, sympathetic taste to the situation.
This especially appears so around the second act, when things kick into high gear between Connor and Jenny as well as Olivia and Greg. The narrative reasoning for Greg’s pairing up with Olivia is understandable, given Connor’s newfound dedication to Jenny. However, at times, the awkward situationship between the two can lead to moments played off for laughs.
These more comedic moments often blend into The Threesome‘s unique act structure, where there are these transitions based on the stages of pregnancy. Whether it be the first spouse-parent introductions to two couples attending pregnancy fitness classes under unusual pretenses, the film offers this sense of enjoyment to captivate the viewer.
Furthermore, the downplayed humor really gives each main character just a bit more personality. From one-offs, like Olivia learning about the complications that come with hemorrhoids, to consistent jokes, like Jenny’s parents being not too conservative despite her relationships with Connor and Olivia, the jokes mesh with the pacing almost easily.
Although, it’s also within The Threesome‘s more serious and narrative-focused moments where the emotion gets put on full display. There are a few twisty moments, particularly by the final act, that are edited for laughs until the reveal fully sinks in. However, nearly each one-on-one involving the main trio keeps adding this dramatic weight that nails in the earnestness of it all.
In these moments, the audience is reminded that these characters are emotionally flawed in their search for love, but it is possible to love. To support each other is to love, and the desire to find happiness amidst the internal and external can be achieved. It just takes consideration and empathy to find that path.
As a whole, The Threesome really lives up to Chad Hartigan’s vision, with heartfelt performances from Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz to sincere, grounded writing that truly highlights the complexities of complicated relationships.
This film has a lot of narrative layers of romantic maturity and ideas about adulthood and living one’s happiest life which has this groundedness thanks to Hartigan and his team. Though this year brought audiences plenty of romantic movies, this film is realistic and raw enough to make it stand out.
The Threesome releases in theaters on September 5.
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