Coming Soon: The Threesome (2025) by Chad Hartigan: When Fantasy Meets Reality in Modern Romance
- dailyentertainment95
- 6 days ago
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Core Summary: A Dream Encounter, A Messy Aftermath
"The Threesome" (2025) is an American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Chad Hartigan, known for his nuanced, character-driven independent films like "Morris from America" (2016) and "Little Fish" (2020). Written by Ethan Ogilby in his feature film debut, the movie stars Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz. The story centers on Connor (Jonah Hauer-King), a kind and unassuming young man who, after an unexpected night with his long-time crush Olivia (Zoey Deutch) and a captivating stranger Jenny (Ruby Cruz), finds his fantasy turning into a complicated reality. What begins as a dream scenario sparks a serious relationship between Connor and Olivia, but their romance is disrupted when Jenny unexpectedly reappears. The film explores the messy, often uncomfortable, consequences of unconventional intimacy, pushing its characters to confront difficult truths about desire, commitment, and true accountability. Premiering at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival on March 7, 2025, and acquired by Vertical for a September 5, 2025, theatrical release, "The Threesome" aims to offer a more realistic and less idealized take on modern romantic comedies.
Snapshot: Rom-Com Gets Real with Unexpected Consequences
A young man's fantasy threesome with his crush and a stranger leads to an unexpected relationship, only for the stranger's return to shatter their idealized romance and force them all to face messy realities.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21187592/
Release date in theaters: September 5, 2025
Deep Dive: Navigating Modern Relationships Beyond the Fairy Tale
"The Threesome" delves into the complexities of modern romance, challenging traditional rom-com tropes by exploring the consequences of an unconventional beginning.
Key aspects that define "The Threesome":
Romantic Comedy-Drama: While it has comedic elements, the film leans heavily into the dramatic consequences of its premise, aiming for a more grounded and "messy" depiction of relationships.
Deconstruction of Rom-Com Tropes: Director Chad Hartigan explicitly stated his desire to offer a "more realistic" take on the romantic comedy genre, moving beyond "wish-fulfillment" and "idealized" romance.
Exploration of Threesome Aftermath: The film focuses heavily on the "sobering real-world consequences" of the initial encounter, exploring how it impacts the emotional and relational dynamics between the three characters involved.
Complex Character Relationships: The core of the story is the intertwined journey of Connor, Olivia, and Jenny, forcing them to navigate desire, jealousy, commitment, and personal growth.
Themes of Accountability and Adulthood: The reappearance of Jenny thrusts the trio into a "difficult and messy journey towards true accountability and adulthood," suggesting a narrative arc of emotional maturity.
Strong Ensemble Cast: Led by Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz, the film relies on the chemistry and performances of its young cast to carry the nuanced emotional weight.
Director's Signature Style: While a romantic comedy, Hartigan's involvement suggests an underlying sensitivity, focus on character psychology, and a naturalistic approach often seen in his previous independent dramas.
"The Threesome" promises to be a thought-provoking entry in the evolving landscape of romantic comedies, aiming for a deeper, more honest look at love and relationships in the contemporary world.
The Journey: From Euphoria to Entanglement
The Unconventional Beginning: Connor, a kind and unassuming young man, has a long-time crush on Olivia. One fateful night, an unexpected threesome occurs involving Connor, Olivia, and a sweet stranger named Jenny. This initially feels like a dream scenario for Connor.
The Unexpected Romance: Following the encounter, a relationship sparks between Connor and Olivia. Their love grows quickly, leading them to plan a life together, creating what appears to be a conventional, happy romance.
Jenny's Return and Complications: Their seemingly perfect relationship is "demolished" when Jenny reappears in their lives. Her return creates unforeseen complications, introducing jealousy, unresolved feelings, and forcing the trio to confront the lingering effects of that initial encounter.
Consequences and Accountability: The film delves into the "messy journey" that all three characters must undertake. They are forced to confront difficult truths about their desires, the nature of their connections, and take "true accountability" for their actions and feelings.
Growth Towards Adulthood: As the drama unfolds, the characters are pushed towards maturity, navigating the complexities of their intertwined lives and learning hard lessons about honesty, commitment, and what it truly means to be in a relationship.
Director's Lens: Chad Hartigan's Nuanced Take on Human Connection
Chad Hartigan brings his signature thoughtful and empathetic approach to "The Threesome," even within the rom-com genre. He typically explores the complexities of human relationships and identity with a grounded sensibility.
Realistic Emotional Depiction: Hartigan is known for eschewing melodrama in favor of nuanced emotional portrayals. In "The Threesome," he aims to depict the "messy" realities of relationships, focusing on the authentic, often uncomfortable, feelings that arise from unconventional situations.
Filmmakers exploring complex emotional narratives should prioritize character authenticity and avoid simplistic resolutions. Allowing characters to grapple with difficult feelings, make imperfect choices, and face realistic consequences creates a more resonant and relatable story.
Character-Driven Narrative: His films are always driven by their characters' inner lives and their evolving relationships. Here, the focus is less on the "threesome" itself and more on its profound impact on the emotional landscapes of Connor, Olivia, and Jenny.
When adapting or developing stories with potentially sensational premises, directors can elevate the material by centering it on the psychological journeys and relational dynamics of the characters, ensuring that the human element remains paramount over the plot device.
Subverting Genre Expectations: Hartigan consciously seeks to differentiate "The Threesome" from typical "wish-fulfillment" romantic comedies. He embraces the genre but pushes its boundaries to explore more complex emotional terrains.
Directors looking to revitalize established genres can do so by introducing unexpected elements, challenging conventional tropes, or exploring themes with a more realistic or morally ambiguous lens. This can lead to fresh, thought-provoking films that resonate with modern audiences.
Central Themes: Modern Romance, Desire vs. Reality, Accountability, Emotional Maturity, and Unconventional Relationships
The Reality of Desire: Exploring how idealized fantasies of love and intimacy often clash with the messy, unpredictable realities of human relationships.
Accountability and Consequences: The necessity of taking responsibility for one's actions and emotions, particularly when they impact others.
Emotional Maturity: The journey of young adults grappling with complex relationship dynamics and learning what it means to be truly committed and emotionally honest.
Unconventional Relationships: Examining the challenges and possibilities inherent in non-traditional romantic structures.
Defining Love: Questioning what constitutes a meaningful relationship beyond initial attraction or a singular shared experience.
Why It Shines: A Fresh, Honest Take on Modern Love
Intriguing Premise with Realistic Execution: Moves beyond the initial "threesome" to explore its deep emotional repercussions.
Strong Director and Writer: Chad Hartigan's sensitive direction paired with Ethan Ogilby's debut screenplay promises depth.
Talented Ensemble Cast: Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz are compelling leads with strong chemistry.
Challenges Rom-Com Norms: Offers a more complex and grounded look at modern relationships.
Relevant Themes: Deals with issues of desire, commitment, and emotional honesty that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Critics Reception: Positive Buzz for its Nuance and Realism
"The Threesome" received positive early buzz following its premiere at SXSW in March 2025. Critics generally lauded its fresh take on the romantic comedy genre and its commitment to exploring the "messy" realities of relationships.
Fresh and Realistic Rom-Com: Reviewers appreciated Hartigan's stated goal to move beyond "purely wish-fulfillment" rom-coms. Screen Rant noted it's a "new kind of romantic comedy that tells the story of a dream-turned-nightmare scenario," highlighting its "messy and realistic take." [Source: Screen Rant, "Romantic Comedies Get A Dark, Modern Twist In Zoey Deutch's New Movie The Threesome," March 9, 2025]
Strong Performances: The lead trio, particularly Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz, received praise for their chemistry and ability to portray complex characters. The Cinemen review mentioned, "The three leads are perfectly cast: the always-great Deutch is edgy and funny... Hauer-King is charming... As for Cruz, she never feels like an afterthought." [Source: The Cinemen, "The Threesome SXSW Review," March 11, 2025]
Nuanced Writing: Ethan Ogilby's screenplay was noted for its commitment to "consequences, putting his characters through difficult situations" and allowing for flawed, yet relatable, characters. [Source: The Cinemen, March 11, 2025]
Balanced Tone: Hartigan's direction was credited for balancing the film's comedic and dramatic elements, ensuring it "never becomes too self-serious or ridiculous." [Source: Next Best Picture, "THE THREESOME" - Review, March 9, 2025] However, some critics, like Next Best Picture, noted that the third act might feel "too neat" or that the drama could eventually be "wrung out."
Overall Summary: "The Threesome" has been well-received by critics for its ambitious and successful attempt to reinvent the romantic comedy, offering a more complex, honest, and character-driven exploration of modern relationships, bolstered by strong performances and Hartigan's sensitive direction.
Audience Reactions: Anticipating a Relatable and Engaging Relationship Drama
With its SXSW premiere in March 2025 and a broader US theatrical release set for September 2025, audience reactions are currently forming, but based on critical reception and the film's premise, anticipated responses include:
Appreciation for Honesty: Viewers seeking a more grounded and less idealized portrayal of relationships will likely connect with the film's "messy" approach.
Engagement with Relatable Struggles: Despite the unconventional start, the film's exploration of jealousy, commitment issues, and emotional growth will resonate with a wide audience.
Interest in Modern Romance: Those curious about how contemporary films depict non-traditional relationships and their challenges will be drawn to its themes.
Discussion Starter: The film's premise and its exploration of accountability are likely to spark conversations among friends and couples.
Overall Summary: "The Threesome" is expected to appeal to audiences who enjoy character-driven dramas and romantic comedies that aren't afraid to explore the complexities and challenges of modern love with realism and emotional depth.
Box Office Performance: Indie Rom-Com with Mainstream Potential
"The Threesome" is positioned as an independent romantic comedy-drama, with its box office performance likely dependent on strong critical reviews and effective marketing highlighting its unique take on the genre.
Festival Premiere: Launched at SXSW 2025, providing a significant platform for buzz and critical attention.
Distribution: Acquired by Vertical, an active independent distributor, for North American theatrical release.
Theatrical Release: Set for a US theatrical release on September 5, 2025, which gives it a significant window after the summer blockbusters.
Mainstream Appeal: The recognizable lead cast (Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King) and the intriguing, yet relatable, premise could give it a wider appeal than typical indie dramas.
Overall Summary: "The Threesome" has a solid foundation for a successful indie run, leveraging its festival acclaim and recognizable cast. Its performance will hinge on its ability to draw audiences seeking a more mature and realistic romantic comedy experience.
Production Notes: An American Independent Collaboration
Original Title: The Threesome
Directed by: Chad Hartigan
Written by: Ethan Ogilby
Main Cast:
Zoey Deutch as Olivia
Jonah Hauer-King as Connor
Ruby Cruz as Jenny
Jaboukie Young-White as Greg
Josh Segarra as Kevin
Arden Myrin as Evelyn
Robert Longstreet
Julia Sweeney
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Country of Production: United States
Language: English
Running Time: 111 minutes (1h 51m)
Cinematography: Sing Howe Yam
Editing: Autumn Dea
Music: Keegan DeWitt
Producers: Tim White, Trevor White (for Star Thrower Entertainment), Vince Jolivette (for Filmopoly), Steven Shapiro (for Jupiter Peak)
Executive Producers: Zoey Deutch, Chad Hartigan, Liz & Ken Whitney, Angie Sanfilippo, David Garrett, Allan Mandelbaum
Production Companies: Star Thrower Entertainment, Filmopoly, Jupiter Peak
Filming Dates: Principal photography took place in Arkansas in early 2024, completed in February 2024 (working title: "Three's a Crowd").
World Premiere: South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, March 7, 2025
Production Companies: Experienced Independent Producers
Star Thrower Entertainment (known for "Ingrid Goes West," "The Post")
Filmopoly
Jupiter Peak
Sales & Distribution: Vertical (North America), Mister Smith (International Sales)
North American Distributor: Vertical
International Sales: Mister Smith Entertainment (initially, likely still involved for territories outside North America)
Release Dates:
March 7, 2025 (SXSW Premiere)
September 5, 2025 (United States Theatrical Release)
Release Timeline: Festival Launch to Fall Theatrical
March 7, 2025: World Premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival.
May 2025: Vertical acquires North American distribution rights.
September 5, 2025: Theatrical Release in the United States.
Ongoing: Expected to continue screening at other festivals and pursue international theatrical or digital releases.
Why See It: For a Smart, Emotionally Honest Take on Modern Love
If you're tired of conventional rom-coms: Offers a fresh, realistic, and often messy look at relationships.
For a compelling character-driven story: The focus is on the emotional journeys of the three leads.
If you appreciate strong ensemble performances: The main cast is highly praised for their chemistry and depth.
To see Chad Hartigan's sensitive direction applied to a new genre: His signature style promises nuance and emotional realism.
If you're interested in films that explore complex themes: Deals with desire, accountability, and the challenges of commitment.
Why Watch: If You Seek Thought-Provoking and Relatable Relationship Dramas
If you want a film that sparks discussion: Its premise and themes are likely to generate conversation.
To experience a modern take on the romantic comedy: It aims to redefine what the genre can explore.
If you enjoy films about young adults navigating the complexities of adulthood: It's a journey of emotional maturity.
For a movie that feels authentic and grounded: Prioritizes realism over idealized fantasy.
If you appreciate independent cinema with mainstream appeal: It balances indie sensibilities with a talented, recognizable cast.
Movie Trend: The "Messy" Rom-Com and Post-Hookup Dramas
"The Threesome" (2025) is a prime example of the emerging "Messy" Rom-Com trend, which seeks to subvert traditional romantic comedy tropes by embracing the complexities, awkwardness, and often uncomfortable realities of modern relationships. This trend moves away from purely "wish-fulfillment" narratives, instead focusing on realistic emotional consequences and challenging idealized notions of love. Specifically, it also fits into the sub-trend of Post-Hookup Dramas, where the film's core conflict stems directly from the aftermath of an initial, often casual or unconventional, sexual encounter, exploring how such events can lead to unexpected emotional entanglements and force characters to confront issues of desire, commitment, and personal accountability.
Social Trend: Navigating Fluid Relationships and Emotional Honesty
"The Threesome" (2025) directly addresses the contemporary social trend of Navigating Fluid Relationships and the Pursuit of Emotional Honesty in modern dating and love. As societal norms around relationships become more flexible, individuals are increasingly grappling with non-traditional structures (like open relationships or polyamory, or even just the blurred lines of casual encounters) and the emotional complexities they entail. The film's premise—an unexpected threesome leading to unforeseen emotional entanglements—reflects a societal shift towards exploring diverse forms of intimacy. Crucially, it highlights the concurrent trend of demanding greater emotional accountability and honesty within these fluid dynamics, showing the consequences when communication falters or expectations diverge, forcing characters to mature and confront the real-world implications of their desires.
Final Verdict: A Refreshingly Honest Look at Love's Messy Reality
"The Threesome" (2025), directed by the nuanced Chad Hartigan, is a refreshing and incisive romantic comedy-drama that boldly ventures beyond the idealized fantasies of conventional romance to explore the complex, often messy, realities of modern relationships. Premiering at SXSW in March 2025 and slated for its US theatrical release on September 5, 2025, the film masterfully navigates the unexpected consequences when a fantasy hookup spirals into an entangled reality for Connor, Olivia, and Jenny. Hartigan's signature empathetic direction, combined with Ethan Ogilby's sharp screenplay and compelling performances from Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz, creates a narrative that is both genuinely funny and emotionally resonant. "The Threesome" stands as a vital contribution to the evolving landscape of romantic cinema, offering a brave and honest portrayal of desire, commitment, and the sometimes-painful, sometimes-beautiful journey towards true emotional accountability and adulthood.
Recommendations for filmmakers: Mastering Nuance in Relationship Dramas
Embrace Realistic Complexity Over Idealized Rom-Com Tropes: "The Threesome" bravely tackles the "messy" aftermath of an unconventional encounter, prioritizing emotional realism over wish-fulfillment. Filmmakers exploring romantic or relationship narratives should be willing to deconstruct traditional tropes, allowing characters to grapple with genuine flaws, make imperfect choices, and face the complicated consequences of their actions and desires, rather than forcing a tidy, unrealistic resolution. This approach yields more resonant and relatable stories, as audiences increasingly crave authentic portrayals of love and intimacy that reflect the unpredictability and challenges of real-world relationships, fostering deeper engagement and lasting impact.
Center the Narrative on Emotional Consequences, Not Just Plot Devices: While the initial "threesome" serves as the inciting incident, the film's true focus is on its profound emotional and relational fallout for the characters. Directors should ensure that potentially sensational plot devices are merely catalysts for deeper character exploration and the examination of their psychological journeys, allowing the emotional arcs to drive the narrative. By prioritizing the internal lives and evolving dynamics of characters impacted by a key event, filmmakers can elevate their stories beyond simple premise-driven plots, creating rich, layered dramas that explore universal themes of desire, commitment, and personal growth with greater depth and authenticity.
Cultivate Strong Ensemble Chemistry for Complex Relationship Dynamics: The success of "The Threesome" relies heavily on the believable and dynamic chemistry between its lead trio. Filmmakers tackling narratives with intricate relationship webs should invest in casting actors with genuine rapport and provide them with the space and direction to develop nuanced, lived-in connections that convey both affection and tension. Authentic ensemble chemistry allows for the subtleties of power shifts, unspoken desires, and evolving emotional bonds to be conveyed effectively, making complex interpersonal dynamics feel credible and deeply engaging for the audience, thereby enhancing the film's overall emotional resonance.
Recommendations for Movie Industry: Nurturing Evolving Romantic Narratives
Invest in and Market "Unconventional" Romantic Narratives that Prioritize Realism: "The Threesome" demonstrates a growing appetite for romantic stories that break from traditional molds and explore the complexities of modern intimacy. The industry should actively seek out, finance, and robustly market films that offer more realistic, diverse, and often "messy" portrayals of relationships, recognizing that contemporary audiences are eager for stories that reflect their own evolving experiences and challenges. By supporting these narratives, the industry can broaden the appeal of the romantic genre, contribute to important cultural conversations about love and sexuality, and position itself as a progressive force that reflects and shapes the complexities of modern human connection.
Champion Independent Voices with a Track Record of Nuance: Chad Hartigan's consistent ability to craft empathetic, character-driven dramas, even within a new genre, proves the value of supporting distinct directorial voices. The industry should continue to empower independent filmmakers who demonstrate a strong artistic vision and a commitment to nuanced storytelling, providing them with the resources and platforms to explore challenging or unconventional themes. This commitment ensures a vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape, fostering innovation and allowing for the creation of unique, thought-provoking films that may not fit traditional studio models but resonate deeply with discerning audiences seeking substance and originality.
Strategically Position Festival Premieres for Theatrical and Digital Success: The film's premiere at SXSW and subsequent acquisition by Vertical for a strategic theatrical release showcases an effective model for independent films. The industry should continue to leverage major film festivals as crucial launchpads for building critical buzz and securing distribution deals for films that bridge independent sensibilities with mainstream appeal, followed by well-timed theatrical and digital rollouts. This multi-platform approach maximizes a film's visibility and commercial potential, ensuring that innovative and impactful independent productions can reach a broad audience beyond their initial festival circuit, thereby contributing significantly to the health and diversity of the overall film market.
Final Conclusions: A Bold Step Forward for Modern Love Stories
"The Threesome" (2025), Chad Hartigan's latest directorial endeavor, emerges as a vital and refreshing entry into the landscape of modern romantic cinema, bravely dissecting the often-unforeseen complexities that arise when fantasy collides with reality. Following its compelling premiere at SXSW and ahead of its September 2025 theatrical release, the film expertly navigates the emotional fallout of an unconventional encounter, meticulously exploring the nuanced journey of desire, commitment, and growth for its three central characters. Hartigan's signature empathetic touch, combined with a sharp, honest screenplay and stellar performances from its lead cast, crafts a narrative that is both genuinely funny and profoundly insightful. "The Threesome" is more than just a romantic comedy; it is a courageous and essential commentary on the evolving nature of human connection, the imperative of emotional accountability, and the messy, yet ultimately rewarding, pursuit of authentic love in the contemporary world.
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