Movie Discovery of the Day: My Partners (2025) by Eva Kübar

About movie: https://filmdelights.com/sales/mypartners/

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36221498/

Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/my-partners-1

Detailed Summary:

My Partners (Minu kallimad) is a 2025 Estonian documentary directed by Eva Kübar that provides an intimate exploration of non-monogamous relationships. Following three couples—two from Estonia and one from Germany—the film delves into the complexities, challenges, and joys of open partnerships. Through candid interviews and observational footage, Kübar examines the emotional landscapes of these individuals as they navigate jealousy, trust, and personal growth. The documentary also highlights the cultural contrasts between how different societies perceive and manage polyamory, offering a nuanced look at the human need for connection and autonomy.

Plot Summary:

In My Partners, Eva Kübar documents the lives of three polyamorous couples, shedding light on their unique dynamics and the societal perceptions they face. The Estonian and German participants share deeply personal experiences, revealing how they maintain intimacy, resolve conflicts, and confront internal and external judgments. The documentary weaves together their stories, uncovering universal truths about love, freedom, and the courage it takes to redefine relationships on one’s own terms.

Director’s Vision:

Eva Kübar approached My Partners with a focus on honesty and authenticity. She aimed to provide a platform for individuals living unconventional lifestyles to share their truths, free from societal stigma. By juxtaposing Estonian and German perspectives, Kübar sought to challenge cultural assumptions and provoke thoughtful discussions about love, trust, and relationship structures. Her directorial style combines intimate interviews with observational scenes, creating a deeply personal yet universally relevant narrative.

Themes:

• Non-Monogamy and Freedom: My Partners explores the concept of open relationships, examining how individuals balance autonomy with emotional connection.

• Cultural Perceptions of Love: The documentary highlights the differences between Estonian and German attitudes toward polyamory, revealing how culture shapes our understanding of love and partnership.

• Emotional Vulnerability and Trust: Through its subjects, the film delves into the complexities of jealousy, communication, and trust, offering a raw look at the emotional work involved in non-traditional relationships.

• Redefining Norms: The documentary challenges conventional notions of commitment, inviting viewers to rethink what it means to be in a relationship.

Key Success Factors:

• Authentic Voices: The documentary’s strength lies in its subjects’ willingness to share their raw, unfiltered experiences.

• Cultural Contrast: Juxtaposing Estonian and German perspectives adds depth, making the film more relatable to international audiences.

• Timely Subject Matter: With increasing discussions about alternative relationship models, My Partners taps into a relevant and growing social trend.

• Strong Direction: Eva Kübar’s empathetic approach and keen observational style give the film a genuine and thoughtful tone.

Summary Short:

My Partners is an intimate and thought-provoking documentary that examines the challenges and rewards of open relationships through the lives of three couples in Estonia and Germany.

Awards and Nominations:

• PÖFF Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (2025): Nominated for Best Estonian Documentary.

• DOK Leipzig (2025): Nominated for Golden Dove – International Competition.

• IDFA Amsterdam (2025): Official Selection.

Critics Reception:

• DMovies: Criticized the film’s staged feel but acknowledged its genuine interest in the topic of polyamory

• Letterboxd Users: Praised the documentary’s humor and candidness, though some questioned the authenticity of certain scenes.

• Screen International: Highlighted the film’s boldness in tackling a sensitive subject and commended its balance between personal narratives and broader cultural insights.

Overall Summary: While some critics felt the documentary lacked spontaneity, most appreciated its nuanced exploration of polyamory and the emotional honesty of its participants.

Reviews:

• Letterboxd Reviewers: Mixed reactions. Viewers who connected with the material praised its humor and emotional depth, while others questioned the authenticity of the filmed moments

• Festivalgoers: Audiences at IDFA and DOK Leipzig noted the film’s ability to spark meaningful conversations, calling it “a courageous and thought-provoking work.”

Overall Summary: My Partners has received a mixed but generally positive reception from viewers, with many appreciating its attempt to delve into the complexities of polyamory while others critiqued the execution.

Production

Summary: The film was produced by Allfilm (Estonia), with additional support from German co-producers. Filming took place in Estonia and Germany, emphasizing the cultural contrast at the core of the documentary.

• Production Companies:

  • Allfilm (Estonia)

• Sales Companies:

  • Autlook Filmsales (Austria): Handled international sales, ensuring the film’s distribution in various territories.

• Distribution Companies:

  • Allfilm (Estonia): Distributed the film locally.

  • German Art Cinema Collective (Germany): Provided theatrical release in Germany.

Release Dates:

• Streaming Release: Available on multiple platforms, including Estonian streaming services, as of January 2026.

• Theatrical Release: Premiered in Estonia on November 15, 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Timely and Relevant: Tackles a growing social phenomenon—polyamory—with honesty and depth.

• Cultural Insight: Offers a rare perspective on how different countries approach open relationships.

• Emotional Resonance: Provides a candid and touching look at the challenges and rewards of redefining love.

Why to Watch This Movie

• Unique Perspective: Examines a topic often misunderstood or stigmatized, presenting it with empathy and nuance.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: Challenges viewers to reconsider traditional relationship structures and what commitment means.

• Real, Human Stories: Delivers heartfelt and personal narratives that reflect the complexity of human connection.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

Trend: Documentaries that explore unconventional relationship models and challenge traditional norms. Summary: My Partners aligns with a recent wave of films that bring transparency and understanding to alternative lifestyles, contributing to broader social discourse.

What Big Social Trend is Following

Trend: Increased openness toward diverse relationship structures and growing interest in the psychology of love and connection. Summary: The documentary taps into the cultural shift toward questioning traditional relationship paradigms and embracing a wider array of relational choices.

Final Verdict

My Partners is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that examines the complexities of polyamory with sensitivity and honesty. By weaving personal stories with cultural insight, Eva Kübar crafts a film that is both intimate and universally resonant.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Prioritize Authenticity: Ensure participants are comfortable and open, allowing their genuine voices to shine.

• Highlight Cultural Contrasts: Exploring differing cultural perspectives adds depth and relatability.

• Balance Humor and Honesty: Using humor can make heavy topics more accessible, but it’s crucial to maintain a respectful tone.

• Incorporate Reflective Narratives: By blending observational footage with participants’ introspective commentary, filmmakers can create a well-rounded and engaging narrative.

Recommendations for the Movie Industry

• Support Diverse Storytelling: Films that explore alternative lifestyles help broaden the audience’s understanding of human relationships.

• Promote Independent Documentaries: Providing platforms and funding for indie documentaries encourages fresh, authentic voices.

• Encourage Cross-Cultural Projects: Collaborative international productions, like My Partners, foster cultural exchange and enhance storytelling.

• Embrace Streaming Platforms: Digital distribution allows niche documentaries to reach a global audience, increasing accessibility and viewership.