In recent years, films that set out to explore non-traditional relationships or unconventional family dynamics have become more common, but they don’t always manage to do so with the necessary depth. Most fall into the trap of using the theme as a mere gimmick, without delving into the genuine emotions or complex ramifications that such situations entail. With director Chad Hartigan’s history (Morris from America) in romantic movies and screenwriter Ethan Ogilby’s debut, I was curious to see if The Threesome would leave the same mark on me as it did on many at the SXSW festival.
The premise takes us into the emotional whirlwind of a love triangle that quickly transforms into an even more complex situation. After a passionate night as a trio, Olivia (Zoey Deutch, Set It Up) and Jenny (Ruby Cruz, Mare of Easttown) discover that they both got pregnant by the same man, Connor (Jonah Hauer-King, The Little Mermaid). The plot follows the chaotic and, at times, painful attempt by the three to navigate this new reality.
One of The Threesome‘s greatest strengths — something that’s notable and should be applauded — is the way it sets out, without fear, to explicitly analyze the differences in perception between men and women in the same situation. It’s a biting and real critique. Connor, being the father of two children by two different women at the same time, is seen by society as an achievement, a reason to congratulate him. Jenny and Olivia, however, are labeled as desperate or pathetic, trapped in a situation that devalues them. The script is filled with small moments like this, all with their implicit social critique. It’s a deep look at the conventions and prejudices that still live within us.
Hartigan’s approach is also courageous in not being ashamed to talk openly about everything that, in other productions, would be considered taboo. From the sexual act itself to the chaos of the double pregnancy, everything is discussed and approached genuinely, no matter how intense the situation becomes. The palpable chemistry between Deutch, Cruz, and Hauer-King is the great driving force of The Threesome. The three actors manage to effortlessly embody the complexities and flaws of their characters, making their interactions always credible, even when circumstances become absurd.
Is it possible not to develop feelings for someone you’re having a child with? This is one of the questions the film sets out to address in a complicated manner, raising a central theme: the tension between sexual attraction and emotional connection. The Threesome questions whether parenthood, by itself, is enough to force the creation of a romantic bond or if a shared responsibility for a child can coexist without the need for a loving relationship. This is the great psychological premise of the narrative and what sets it apart from other rom-coms.
However, Hartigan and Ogilby have difficulty maintaining a certain balance, and while some parts are too melodramatic and convoluted just to add another obstacle to the story, others reveal situations that are completely valid and likely to happen in a scenario that’s already insane on its own. The movie tries, in some way, to make the characters’ various trajectories converge on a message about people who try to come together when everything seems impossible.
The Threesome also explores the complexity of building a non-traditional family structure in a world that values monogamy and the nuclear family. The narrative questions the nature of love and union: is it something that comes from attraction, from chance, or from a shared obligation? The script convincingly illustrates how the characters are forced to deal with society’s expectations and their own beliefs about what constitutes a family, while desperately trying to maintain their sanity. It’s through this chaos that the film reaches its best moments, revealing the strength and fragility of human relationships.
Nevertheless, only Olivia’s story truly makes us feel something. Her journey is a real emotional roller coaster, and it’s through her crises and rich monologues that the audience can connect with her. Jenny gets stuck in a secondary problem with her family — a conflict about traditions and a lack of trust between parents and daughter — but this storyline quickly becomes predictable and uninteresting. Connor, despite being connected to both, is the least fascinating of the trio. With the exception of a single scene, we never truly delve into his feelings, as we do with Olivia. We only see shots of the character thinking, or, when he finally gets emotional, it’s in ridiculous moments, like when he gets angry with Olivia for having slept with someone else, when he himself got Jenny pregnant.
And this leads me to another big issue: the three protagonists have countless moments that make us detest them. Once again, Olivia is the only one who manages to have moments that redeem her, and even if they don’t fully convince me, at least she’s honest and shows it through her expressions and dialogue. Both Connor and Jenny do and say things that are simply nonsensical and could have been easily avoided. The premise of The Threesome is crazy, but it could perfectly happen in real life. Yet, the more convoluted the narrative becomes, the less credible it gets. We reach a point where, as viewers, we lose interest and the desire to care about these characters.
The ending also feels forced. Not all the characters have done enough to justify that outcome. It feels unjustified, like something’s “off”. Still, it’s impossible not to highlight the scene that precedes the sexual act – which isn’t shown. It’s a sexy, steamy, and, above all, convincing scene. It’s clear that everyone wants it and that consent is there. The chemistry is undeniable, and it’s an excellent basis for the whole premise… it’s just a shame that its development falls short of expectations.
Final Thoughts on The Threesome
The Threesome is a victim of its own ambition. The story, which begins by intelligently questioning social conventions and the nature of relationships, gets lost in narrative devices and an unequal treatment of its protagonists. Despite Zoey Deutch’s visible efforts to give her character depth, the lack of the same type of personal development for Ruby Cruz and Jonah Hauer-King ends up unbalancing the scale. There’s a deep and honest analysis of love, family, and responsibility spread throughout the film’s various narrative threads, but ultimately, it becomes an occasionally frustrating melodrama, leaving the feeling that a great opportunity was wasted.
Rating: C
The Threesome will be in theaters on September 5th.
Learn more about the film, including how to buy tickets, at the official website for the title.
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