Movie of the Day: You, Me & Her (2023) by Dan Levy Dagerman
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 26
- 8 min read
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/you-me-and-her-2023 (US)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20917826/
About movie: https://www.ymhmovie.com/
"You, Me & Her (2023)" by Dan Levy Dagerman: A Modern Take on Marriage, Desire, and Discovery
Directed by Dan Levy Dagerman and written by and starring Selina Ringel, the 2023 film "You, Me & Her" is a dramedy that explores the complexities of a long-term marriage and the unexpected avenues a couple might explore to reignite their connection. Based on a partially true story from the lives of the director and writer, who are married in real life, the film offers a fresh and contemporary look at relationships, identity, and the fluidity of desire.
About Movie (Detailed Summary)
"You, Me & Her" centers on Mags (Selina Ringel) and Ash (Ritesh Rajan), a married couple who, after having a child, find their relationship has settled into a routine marked by arguments and compromises. Yearning for something more, they take their first vacation alone since becoming parents, traveling to San Pancho, Mexico, in hopes of rekindling their spark. Their trip takes an unforeseen turn when Mags develops an instant and unexpected chemistry with Angela (Sydney Park), a free-spirited digital nomad they meet. Intrigued by this new dynamic and sensing a potential way to revitalize their marriage, Ash encourages the flirtation, leading to the consideration of a threesome. However, the film delves beyond just the potential sexual experience, exploring the emotional complexities that arise as Mags confronts new feelings and aspects of her own sexuality that she hadn't acknowledged before. The film follows the couple's journey as they navigate this unconventional situation, prompting them to confront their assumptions about each other, their relationship, and their individual desires. It's a story about staying honest and curious within a committed partnership and the ways in which relationships can evolve and adapt.
Plot Summary
A married couple, seeking to reignite their relationship on vacation, considers a threesome after the wife develops an unexpected connection with another woman, leading to emotional discoveries and challenges.
Director's Vision
Dan Levy Dagerman, in collaboration with his wife and screenwriter Selina Ringel, brought a deeply personal connection to "You, Me & Her," basing it on a shared experience. Their vision was to create an honest and empathetic portrayal of the challenges and evolutions within long-term relationships. They aimed to explore how couples can navigate feelings of stagnation and rediscover themselves and each other, without judgment. The film intentionally features a diverse cast, reflecting the reality of contemporary life, with the characters' cultural backgrounds (Mexican-American and Indian-American) providing a rich, albeit not central, context to the story. Dagerman's approach, influenced by his background and collaboration with Ringel, sought to blend humor and drama to realistically depict the awkward yet often profound moments that arise when a couple explores unconventional avenues in their relationship.
Themes
Marital Evolution and Challenges: The film explores the difficulties couples face in maintaining a spark in long-term relationships, particularly after major life changes like parenthood.
Sexual Identity and Exploration: Mags's unexpected connection with Angela prompts her to question and explore her own sexuality.
Communication and Honesty in Relationships: The film highlights the importance of open and honest communication, even about uncomfortable topics.
Rediscovery of Self: The characters' journey leads them to rediscover aspects of themselves that may have been suppressed within the routine of marriage and parenthood.
The Fluidity of Desire: The film touches upon the idea that desire and attraction can be complex and not always fit within conventional boundaries.
Navigating Unconventional Relationships: The couple's consideration of a threesome brings to light the challenges and possibilities of non-traditional relationship structures.
Key Success Factors
"You, Me & Her" has gained traction as an independent film, attributed to several factors:
Relatable and Contemporary Subject Matter: The film tackles themes of marital issues, sexual exploration, and identity in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
Personal and Authentic Storytelling: Being based on the filmmakers' own experiences lends an air of honesty and vulnerability to the narrative.
Strong Collaboration Between Director and Writer/Star: The real-life partnership of Dan Levy Dagerman and Selina Ringel likely contributed to the film's nuanced portrayal of the central relationship.
Positive Critical Recognition: Winning awards at film festivals and receiving positive reviews from some publications have increased its visibility.
Innovative Distribution Strategy: Utilizing platforms like Attend for theatrical release demonstrates an effort to reach audiences outside traditional distribution models.
Diverse Representation: The intentional casting of diverse actors in key roles reflects contemporary society and appeals to a broader audience.
Summary Short
Dan Levy Dagerman's "You, Me & Her (2023)" is a dramedy about a married couple on vacation who explore the idea of a threesome, leading to discoveries about their relationship and individual desires.
Awards and Nominations
"You, Me & Her (2023)" has received significant recognition on the film festival circuit. According to promotional materials and news reports:
The film has won a total of 14 awards.
It was nominated for 4 awards.
Notably, it won Best Picture at the 2024 Mexican-American Film & Television Festival.
Critics Reception
Critical reception for "You, Me & Her" has been mixed to positive, with many reviewers appreciating its fresh perspective and honest approach to relationships and sexuality.
Rotten Tomatoes: Promotional materials claim a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, although the specific number of reviews contributing to this score was not available in the snippets.
IMDb: Holds a user rating of 6.8/10 based on 106 ratings.
Variety (Dennis Harvey): Described it as a "small, slyly humorous movie that nonetheless ends on a note of more dramatic substance than you'd expect," calling it a "deft relationship tale."
Screen Rant (Mary Kassel): Gave it 8/10, being "blown away by this indie rom-com's freshly contemporary & relatable take on navigating marriage today," praising its honest perspective and charming package.
Dennis Schwartz Reviews (Dennis Schwartz): Gave it a C+, finding it a "rather tame sex farce" that was "mostly off-putting," and describing the direction as uneven, causing the film to oscillate "jerkily between comedy and drama."
Sarah G. Vincent Views (Sarah G. Vincent): Found the film "pretty" and a "love letter to Mexico," but felt the overall narrative structure was flawed and that the humor played like a sitcom, ultimately seeing it more as a domestic drama about a marriage that should end.
Movies Thru the Spectrum (Review): Described it as a sex comedy that "struggles to get it on" and suffers from "relentless predictability," though acknowledging the "fine performances by the three leads."
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: While not universally praised, "You, Me & Her" has been noted for its willingness to explore contemporary relationship dynamics and sexual fluidity with a degree of honesty. Critics who responded positively highlighted its fresh perspective on marriage and self-discovery. Criticisms often pointed to perceived predictability or tonal inconsistencies. The reported 100% Rotten Tomatoes score suggests strong approval from a segment of critics, but more widespread reviews are needed for a complete picture.
Reviews
Reviews for "You, Me & Her" often focus on its central premise and how it navigates the emotional and sexual territory of a married couple considering a threesome. Reviewers have commented on the performances of the lead actors, particularly Selina Ringel's portrayal of Mags's journey of self-discovery. The film's blend of comedy and drama has been a point of discussion among critics, with some finding the balance effective and others feeling it was uneven. The film's setting in Mexico and its diverse cast have also been noted.
Production
"You, Me & Her (2023)" is a co-production between the United States and Mexico. It was directed by Dan Levy Dagerman and written by Selina Ringel. The film was produced by Irreversible Pictures and Two Hands Productions, the latter co-founded by Dagerman and Ringel. The cast includes Selina Ringel, Ritesh Rajan, and Sydney Park in the main roles. The film was shot partially in Mexico, where the story is primarily set during the couple's vacation. The film's runtime is 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Production Companies
Irreversible Pictures: (Country: United States) - Production company.
Two Hands Productions: (Country: United States) - Production company.
Distribution Companies
The film had a limited theatrical release in the United States using the Attend platform.
It is available for digital rental and purchase on platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, and Plex.
Theatrical Release
"You, Me & Her (2023)" had a limited theatrical release in the United States starting on February 14, 2025. This release notably utilized the Attend platform, an alternative distribution model aimed at connecting filmmakers directly with theaters.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Modern and Honest Look at Marriage: The film offers a relatable portrayal of the challenges faced by contemporary couples.
Exploration of Sexual Identity and Desire: It tackles these themes with openness and a focus on personal discovery.
Based on a True Story: This adds an element of authenticity and intrigue to the narrative.
Support for Independent Filmmaking: Watching the film supports the work of independent filmmakers exploring relevant social dynamics.
Cultural Diversity: The film features and reflects diverse cultural backgrounds in its characters and setting.
Why to Watch Movie
Interest in Dramedies About Relationships: If you enjoy films that blend humor and drama to explore the complexities of human connection.
Curiosity About the Premise: The central idea of a couple exploring a threesome is a compelling narrative hook.
For Insights into Navigating Marriage After Parenthood: The film specifically addresses the impact of becoming parents on a relationship.
To See a Film Utilizing an Alternative Distribution Model: If you are interested in how independent films are reaching audiences in new ways.
What Movie Trend film is following
"You, Me & Her" aligns with the trend of contemporary relationship dramas and comedies that explore modern forms of partnership, sexuality, and desire. It fits within the trend of independent filmmaking that tackles personal and socially relevant stories. The film's use of an alternative distribution platform like Attend is part of a growing trend of filmmakers exploring non-traditional release strategies. The inclusion of diverse characters and cultural backgrounds also reflects a broader trend towards increased representation in cinema.
What Big Social Trend is following
The film directly engages with the growing social trend of openness and discussion surrounding diverse sexualities and relationship structures, challenging traditional norms around monogamy. It also touches upon the social realities faced by couples navigating the demands of careers and parenthood in contemporary society. The film's diverse casting and setting also align with the broader social trend of increased cultural awareness and the importance of representation in media.
Final Verdict
"You, Me & Her (2023)" is a courageous and insightful dramedy that offers a refreshing perspective on the challenges and potential for growth within a long-term marriage. Drawing from the real-life experiences of its director and writer, the film honestly explores themes of desire, identity, and the complexities that arise when unconventional possibilities enter a relationship. While some critics found aspects of the film predictable or tonally inconsistent, many have praised its authentic portrayal of contemporary relationships and its willingness to delve into sensitive topics with empathy and humor. The film's success on the festival circuit and its innovative distribution strategy highlight its ability to connect with audiences seeking thoughtful and relatable stories about modern love and self-discovery. For viewers interested in character-driven narratives that explore the evolving landscape of relationships and sexuality, "You, Me & Her" is a compelling and worthwhile watch.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Draw Inspiration from Personal Experiences: Authentic stories rooted in personal truth can resonate deeply with audiences.
Collaborate Closely with Partners: Creative partnerships, especially with those who share a personal connection to the material, can lead to nuanced and powerful storytelling.
Embrace Difficult or Unconventional Subjects: Don't shy away from exploring complex human experiences and relationship dynamics.
Explore Alternative Distribution Models: Investigate and utilize new platforms and strategies to bring independent films to audiences.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Films That Offer Diverse Perspectives on Relationships and Sexuality: Encourage and distribute narratives that reflect the reality of contemporary relationship structures and identities.
Recognize the Value of Personal Stories in Filmmaking: Champion films that are born from authentic experiences and offer unique insights into the human condition.
Invest in and Promote Alternative Distribution Platforms: Support innovative models that allow independent and diverse films to reach wider audiences beyond traditional theatrical releases.
Highlight the Cultural Relevance of Films with Diverse Representation: Emphasize the importance of showcasing varied cultural backgrounds and experiences on screen.
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