It is one of the funniest films of the year and there is a lot to admire across directing, writing, acting and pure humor.
Michael Angelo Covino does phenomenal work here not just behind the camera but also in front of it. As a director he stages big chaotic moments, fights, awkward confrontations, physical comedy with confidence. He knows how to frame characters and let comedy breathe without feeling forced. As an actor he plays Paul with a kind of cool arrogance but also reveals vulnerabilities in the mess he helps create. Watching him shift between swagger and confusion is one of the film’s great pleasures.
The writing by Covino and Kyle Marvin is sharp, inventive and bold. The dialogue snaps, especially when characters reveal how much they do not know about themselves. The plot throws multiple curveballs, mixing relationship theory, jealousy and shame with farce. There are scenes that make you gasp, cringe, and laugh all at once and those tonal shifts make the film alive.
The cast is excellent. Kyle Marvin as Carey brings earnestness, comedy and despair in equal parts. Adria Arjona as Ashley has real presence and she holds her own emotionally and comedically in scenes with the men. Dakota Johnson as Julie quietly grounds many of the crazier moments and she adds grace, wit and a compelling coolness. Together, the chemistry among these four feels electric and they pull off emotional turns and absurdity as a unit.
What gives the film extra magic is charisma. The leads are magnetic and even at their worst you keep watching, wondering what they will do next. They make flawed, ugly behavior feel fascinating because you sense real people inside the madness. The confidence in their performances lets the messy parts land harder.
If I had to pick the funniest film of the year, Splitsville would be a strong contender. It does not just rely on jokes, it builds humor out of relationships, betrayal and awkwardness. The best scenes, like the lengthy fight between Carey and Paul or the strange underwater gambits, feel like the filmmakers dared to go wild. And that risk pays off, because you laugh harder when the stakes feel real even in absurdity.
In the end, Splitsville is a messy, wild ride. Sometimes it is over the top, sometimes uneven, but always alive and full of heart. Covino’s direction, the smart script and the committed cast make it a film you will want to talk about afterward. It may not be perfect, but it is unforgettable.