Couples Weekend Review: Josh Gad Shines In Sharp But Uneven Relationship Drama

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Back in the 1700s, Irish philosopher George Berkeley wondered if things continue to exist if no one is perceiving them. This led to the famous thought experiment: if a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, does it still make a sound? The film, originally called A Tree Fell in the Woods, explores this idea in a unique way, using a case of cheating to kick off a relationship story that’s sometimes bumpy, but often humorous and thoughtful.

The movie centers around lifelong friends Mitch and Debs, portrayed by Josh Gad and Alexandra Daddario. They head to a secluded cabin with their spouses for a New Year’s Eve getaway. Their trip takes a dramatic turn when they narrowly avoid being hit by a falling tree during a hike, and then discover their partners are having an affair. A blizzard traps the four of them together, forcing them to deal with the betrayal and revealing the hidden problems in their relationships that have been building for some time.

Although the film deals with a heavy subject, writer and director Nora Kirkpatrick approaches Couples Weekend as a mix of genres. It maintains a generally light and comedic tone, so even though Mitch and Debs receive upsetting news, the story is told with humor. Kirkpatrick’s script leans into the awkwardness of the situation, blending relationship drama with moments of self-aware comedy, making for a compelling and surprisingly funny film.

Couples Weekend Excels Early On

Mitch and Debs first decide to keep a secret about what they witnessed, but it doesn’t stay hidden for long. The rest of the movie centers on intense, emotional conversations between the four people involved. At first, these conversations are captivating, letting viewers watch two relationships fall apart and understand why someone might be unfaithful. The script really shines through in these scenes, with dialogue that’s fast-paced, clever, and often funny.

As the movie progresses, the conversations become predictable and go around in circles, causing the story to lose its energy. It isn’t until the last 20 minutes that Couples Weekend gets back on track. The ending shifts away from comedy and focuses on the film’s deeper, more serious ideas.

While the film initially focuses on infidelity, it quickly delves into deeper issues like lingering resentment, unhappiness within a relationship, and how being together for a long time can change who you are. The actors handle these heavy topics well, giving compelling performances, but the lack of believable connection between some characters becomes apparent. For instance, the supposed lifelong friendship between Mitch and Debs doesn’t quite ring true; their closeness often feels unnatural, which diminishes the impact of important scenes.

Josh Gad Shines As The Film’s Comedic Heart

The actors deserve a lot of credit, especially Josh Gad. He’s the main source of humor in the film, bringing tons of energy and personality to his role and making every scene he’s in entertaining. He doesn’t rely on over-the-top slapstick, but instead delivers clever lines with perfect timing, which is responsible for most of the funniest moments in Couples Weekend.

The film loses its way due to its repetitive plot and a strange new element that disrupts the tension between the characters. While trying to escape his wife, Mitch finds an old bottle of alcohol and, after drinking it, experiences a prolonged, psychedelic trip. He then convinces the others to drink with him, leading to a drawn-out and unfunny intoxicated scene. This shift pulls the focus away from what made the film work best: the realistic and engaging conversations between the characters.

“Couples Weekend” is a funny and occasionally thoughtful film about the aftermath of cheating, though it’s let down by some inconsistent filmmaking. The story itself is solid, effectively mixing dramatic moments with comedic elements, and it strikes a good balance between relationship struggles and humor. The film is at its best during the more subdued, clever conversations about love, anger, and emotional distance. However, the movie repeats itself too often, and the lack of believable chemistry between Alexandra Daddario and Josh Gad holds it back from fully realizing its potential.

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2026-05-08 18:30