‘The Threesome’ Review: Charming Rom-Com Chases Something More as Zoey Deutch Irons Out an Awkward Situation

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The Threesome” unfolds at a wedding, where multiple relationships intertwine. On-stage, Matthew (Tommy Do) and Greg (standout performer Jaboukie Young-White) exchange vows, with Greg’s best friend Connor (Jonah Hauer-King), who played a role in their introduction, offering a toast off-screen. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, director Chad Hartigan, known for both introspective dramas and lively comedies, attempts to strike a balance between the film’s outlandish premise and the cringe humor it presents, while also exploring the intriguing relationship dynamics it generates. The outcome is a blend of intended and unintended effects, but with such talented individuals involved, the end result remains incredibly captivating.

Matthew and Greg aren’t the main romantic pair in the movie, instead it’s Connor and Olivia (played by Zoey Deutch), a waitress he’s had feelings for, who work together at the same restaurant as Greg. While he’s chatting up a customer named Jenny (Ruby Cruz) during her shift, this leads to an evening where all three end up at his apartment. A game of truth or dare under the influence of marijuana results in both women staying overnight. Connor wakes up to find Jenny beside him, while Olivia has once again disappeared, but he can’t help but think that their night together was a one-time fling.

In a surprising turn of events, the three characters find themselves bound together due to the events of an evening, as Hartigan skillfully transforms a typical early-’80s romantic comedy setup into a more reflective narrative. Connor isn’t dealing with an entirely novel predicament; he’s drawn to Olivia, but may fare better with Jenny, who appears to be more stable and reasonable. However, the movie doesn’t focus on rivalry, but rather on how each character discovers more about themselves after a night where everyone catered to one another’s needs in the bedroom. The trio is deeply entwined by the events that follow, and must navigate their desires and aspirations by determining which of the partners they are most attracted to, thus helping them understand what they truly want in life.

Despite the unusual combination of elements, “The Threesome” sometimes struggles to find its footing across different genre lines. Visually, the movie shares the same earthy color scheme and effortlessly beautiful cinematography that characterized Hartigan’s critically acclaimed sci-fi romance “Little Fish.” However, this style can occasionally clash with the film’s more boisterous comedic segments. Actors like Arden Myrin, Robert Longstreet as Jenny’s conservative parents, and Julia Sweeney as Connor’s mother seem to have stepped straight out of a sitcom. The movie even incorporates a subtle use of a sad trombone sound effect during Connor’s work as a sound engineer, and Sing Howe Yam’s camera work shows a playful touch. Deutch skillfully handles any changes in tone, but the film sometimes reflects its characters too closely, raising questions about its own identity when it might not always be certain of what it wants to become.

Titled “The Threesome,” some might expect a bolder approach, but it’s commendable that Hartigan and Ogilby aim for something more profound within their innovative concept, rather than relying on easy humor or simplistic solutions. This ambition to mature the material is shared by all in “The Threesome,” and while there are signs of growing pains, the final product benefits from this journey towards maturity.

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2025-03-09 15:16