In Theatres: The Threesome (2025) by Chad Hartigan: The Messy Aftermath of a Wild Night

A Tale of Unexpected Consequences The Threesome is a 2025 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Chad Hartigan. The movie chronicles the tumultuous events that unfold after a young man, Connor, has an unexpected threesome with his long-time crush, Olivia, and a stranger, Jenny. What starts as a seemingly harmless fantasy quickly unravels into a complex web of real-world responsibilities and emotional fallout, forcing all three characters to confront their desires, fears, and the messy chaos of adulthood.

Why to watch this movie: A Fresh Take on the Rom-Com This film is a compelling watch for anyone looking for a romantic comedy that dares to be more realistic and emotionally complex than the genre's usual fare.

• Zoey Deutch's standout performance: Critics have universally praised Zoey Deutch for her portrayal of Olivia. She brings a sharp wit and emotional depth to her character, making her the most engaging and relatable part of the film. Her performance elevates the material and grounds the story in genuine feeling.

• An honest look at modern relationships: The film tackles the complications of modern dating, unplanned pregnancies, and navigating unconventional relationship dynamics. It avoids a neat, traditional happy ending, instead embracing the messiness and ambiguity of real life.

• A blend of humor and drama: While the premise is ripe for comedy, the film expertly balances its humorous moments with genuine emotional weight. It's not a raunchy comedy, but rather a thoughtful dramedy that explores its characters' vulnerabilities and personal growth.

Where to watch: In theatres from 5th of September

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21187592/

About movie: https://www.thethreesome-movie.com/

What Trend is followed?: The Anti-Rom-Com The Threesome is a part of a burgeoning cinematic trend that subverts and challenges the conventional romantic comedy formula.

• Subverting genre tropes: The movie takes the typical "will they/won't they" dynamic of a love triangle and throws it out the window in favor of a more complex and morally ambiguous situation. The central romantic pairing is established early, and the conflict arises from the real-world consequences of their actions, not from simple misunderstandings.

• Embracing messy relationships: Instead of portraying a perfect, fairy-tale romance, the film embraces the awkwardness, contradictions, and frustrations that come with real relationships. It focuses on the internal struggles of its characters rather than on external, fabricated obstacles.

Director's Vision: Emotional Honesty and Nuance Chad Hartigan, known for his character-driven films like Morris from America, brings a signature blend of gentle humor and emotional depth to The Threesome.

• Grounded storytelling: Hartigan's vision is to keep the film grounded even as the plot grows increasingly tangled. He prioritizes the emotional journeys of the characters over farcical situations, ensuring the audience feels invested in their struggles.

• A focus on character over plot: The director's goal is to present a nuanced portrait of modern relationships, treating each character as a real person with their own flaws and insecurities. He allows the messiness of the narrative to mirror the messiness of the human experience.

Themes: Adulthood, Consequences, and Unconventional Family The film explores a variety of complex themes relevant to a modern audience.

• Consequences and Responsibility: The core of the film's conflict is the sobering reality that every action has consequences. The unexpected pregnancies force the characters to mature and take responsibility for their choices, whether they are ready for it or not.

• Modern Love and Family: The movie questions what a family can and should look like in the 21st century. It tackles how individuals navigate unconventional situations and personal expectations, particularly regarding parenthood and loyalty in a non-traditional setting.

• Self-Doubt and Vulnerability: Each character grapples with their own insecurities. Olivia questions her self-worth and ability to be a mother, while Connor deals with his own childhood trauma, and Jenny struggles with family expectations and religious beliefs. The film highlights how these personal struggles impact their relationships.

Key success factors: A Timely Premise and a Strong Cast The film's success can be attributed to its ability to connect with a modern audience on a deeply personal level.

• A relevant and challenging premise: The film's central idea—the complexities arising from a consensual but life-altering sexual encounter—is a powerful hook that speaks to the anxieties and realities of dating and relationships today.

• Excellent performances from the lead trio: Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz are all praised for their charismatic and nuanced performances. Deutch in particular is singled out for her ability to bring a "magnetic tenderness" and "uncanny charm" to her role.

• A compassionate and witty script: The screenplay by Ethan Ogilby is noted for its ability to avoid clichés and treat the sensitive subject matter with intelligence and wit. It's a key factor in why the film feels fresh and genuine.

Awards and Nominations: Premiered at SXSW The Threesome had its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival, a significant showcase for independent films.

Critics Reception: Flawed but Ambitious The critical reception for The Threesome was mixed but leaning positive, with most critics acknowledging its ambition and strong performances while pointing out some narrative flaws.

• Flickering Myth: The review notes that the "fascinating and relatively fresh dramatic material" is consistently undermined by occasional tonal imbalances. However, it praises the performances of the main cast, particularly Zoey Deutch.

• AwardsWatch: This review found the film to be tonally inconsistent, not knowing if it wanted to be a dark comedy or a serious romantic drama. It also criticized the character development, finding them to be "sad, lonely, insecure people" who are "repetitive, flaccid exercises."

• RedCarpetCrash.com: The review was generally positive, calling it a "great first script" for the writer. It praised the film for being "fun, charming, and a little messy," and gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting that the film's strengths lie in its two leading women, Olivia and Jenny.

• Screen Rant: The review acknowledged that the film "tries to strike into new territory" but "never digs deep into its ideological identity." It singled out Zoey Deutch for praise, stating that she "carries the film as Olivia, the story's most likable character."

Overall, critics agree that the film is an ambitious and promising, albeit imperfect, entry into the romantic dramedy genre, elevated by its strong cast and willingness to tackle a complex and messy subject.

Reviews: Charismatic Performances Anchor a Relatable Story Reviews from viewers and general film sites often highlighted the relatability of the story and the strength of the actors.

• Audience Reviews (general sentiment): Many viewers appreciated the film's realistic portrayal of an unusual situation. They found the characters and their struggles to be authentic, and the blend of humor and drama was well-received.

• Social Media Commentary: Conversations on social media platforms often centered on the film's premise and the strong on-screen chemistry between the cast members. The film's ability to spark discussions about modern love and relationships was a key takeaway for many.

Overall, reviews indicate that the film resonated with an audience looking for a more mature and thoughtful take on a romantic comedy.

Release date on streaming: No Streaming Release Found There is no publicly available information about a streaming release date for The Threesome.

Theatrical Release: September 5, 2025 (Limited) The Threesome had a limited theatrical release in the United States on September 5, 2025.

What Movie Trend film is following: The Modern Indie Dramedy The film follows the trend of modern independent dramedies that focus on small, intimate character studies. These films, often premiering at festivals like SXSW, use low-stakes plots to explore big, universal themes like love, identity, and personal growth. They are typically dialogue-driven and place a strong emphasis on authentic performances.

What Big Social Trend is following: The 'Situationship' and Re-evaluating Traditional Structures The film taps into the social trend of the "situationship," a relationship that lacks clear labels and commitment. It also reflects a wider cultural shift away from traditional, rigid relationship and family structures. The movie explores the messy reality of forging one's own path in love and life, and the struggle to find meaning and stability in a world with fewer predefined rules.

Final Verdict: A Witty and Human-Centric Dramedy The Threesome is a compelling and intelligent film that redefines the romantic comedy for a new generation. Director Chad Hartigan and writer Ethan Ogilby have crafted a story that is both funny and deeply human, exploring the emotional fallout of a single, impulsive act. While it may not be a flawless film, it is elevated by its talented cast, particularly Zoey Deutch, and its commitment to portraying the messiness and unpredictable nature of modern relationships. It's a rewarding watch for anyone who appreciates a story that is as complex and complicated as life itself.