Laughter and Open Marriages: Michael Angelo Covino’s “Splitsville” Premieres with a Roaring Reception at Cannes

Michael Angelo Covino’s comedy, “Splitsville,” has made a significant splash at the Cannes Film Festival, garnering a heartfelt six-minute ovation on Monday night. The film offers a humorous yet incisive take on the complexity of relationships, particularly in the realm of open marriages.

As the applause echoed through the theater, a visibly emotional Covino was embraced by co-star Dakota Johnson, marking a touching moment that exemplified the camaraderie shared during this premiere. For Johnson, it was her first experience at Cannes, a stark contrast to her familiar territory at the Venice Film Festival, where she has been celebrated before. Despite the grandeur of the evening, Johnson humbly dismissed the cheers when the camera turned to her, only to receive enthusiastic support from her boyfriend, Jason Momoa, who cheered for her co-star Adria Arjona from behind.

A Comedy That Challenges Norms

Covino passionately stated, “We need to keep making comedies for Cannes, plain and simple. Because laughter should be seen in a theater, not on a television screen.” This underscores a continuing desire for theatrical experiences, particularly in the realm of comedy that is often overlooked in major film festivals.

“Splitsville” follows the tumultuous journeys of two couples: Johnson and Covino play one pair, while Arjona stars with Kyle Marvin in the other. The official logline reads: “When Ashley (Arjona) asks for a divorce, the good-natured Carey (Marvin) runs to his friends, Julie (Johnson) and Paul (Covino), for support. Their secret to happiness is an open marriage; that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.”

The film, running a breezy 104 minutes, provides a mix of clever satire and raw comedy, exploring the wreckage caused by infidelity and miscommunication. From an unexpected road trip mishap to an outrageous encounter involving full-frontal male nudity, “Splitsville” challenges the traditional narratives of romance, shedding light on the importance of dialogue in any relationship.

Celebrated Cast and Crew

The ensemble cast features notable actors, including Nicholas Braun, David Castañeda, Charlie Gillespie, Simon Webster, Stephen Adekolu, Tyrone Benskin, and O-T Fagbenle. Covino and Marvin not only co-star but also co-wrote the script, showcasing their unique understanding of relationship dynamics. Additionally, Dakota Johnson took on a producer role alongside her TeaTime Pictures co-founder Ro Donnelly, emphasizing her commitment to bringing compelling stories to the screen.

The premiere attracted many renowned filmmakers, including Ari Aster and Sean Baker, whose previous work won him last year’s Palme d’Or. It’s evident that “Splitsville” has made an impression not just with audiences but with industry insiders as well, indicating a promising future for the film.

Covino’s Growing Legacy

This premiere is particularly significant as “Splitsville” is Covino’s second feature film, following the critically acclaimed “The Climb,” which also debuted at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section. His directorial debut tackled themes of friendship and betrayal in a deeply personal way, and this latest project seems poised to continue that trend but with a comedic twist.

The enthusiastic reception at Cannes demonstrates that Covino’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt narratives is resonating more than ever. Neon, the distribution company that acquired “Splitsville,” has a stellar reputation, having previously handled the distribution of the last five Palme d’Or winners, including Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” and Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall.”

“Splitsville” is scheduled for theatrical release on August 22 via Neon, promising to bring more laughter and valuable conversations about modern relationships to wider audiences.

In a world where love and communication are often put on the back burner, there’s a fresh voice in cinema, and it’s making waves. Covino and his cast remind us that laughter is not just entertainment; it’s an essential part of navigating the ups and downs of relationships.

For more insights on relationships and upcoming movie reviews, check out our articles on open marriages, Dakota Johnson, and Cannes Film Festival highlights.