Dakota Johnson and Michael Angelo Covino’s Open Marriage Comedy ‘Splitsville’ Cracks Up Cannes, Earning 6-Minute Standing Ovation

On Monday evening at Cannes, Michael Angelo Covino’s humorous take on an open marriage in the film “Splitsville” elicited hearty laughter and was greeted with a delightful six-minute standing ovation.

With thunderous applause echoing, director Covino felt his eyes brimming with tears. Dakota Johnson quickly offered him a comforting embrace, and he planted a tender kiss on her cheek in return.

Covino stated that it’s essential to continue producing comedies for Cannes, and here’s why: Laughter belongs on the stage of a theater, not on the small screen at home.

The movie titled “Splitsville” centers around four individuals: Johnson and Covino, who form one couple, and Adria Arjona and Kyle Marvin, another pair. As per the film’s synopsis, “When Ashley (Arjona) decides to end her marriage, Carey (Marvin), a good-hearted man, turns to his friends Julie (Johnson) and Paul (Covino) for comfort. These friends share an unconventional relationship – they practice an open marriage; however, when Carey oversteps boundaries, he disrupts the harmony of all their connections.

Alongside Nicholas Braun, David Castañeda, Charlie Gillespie, Simon Webster, Stephen Adekolu, Tyrone Benskin, and O-T Fagbenle, this production boasts an impressive cast. Marvin and Covino are the scriptwriters, while Johnson assumes the role of producer.

Prior to its premiere in Cannes’ Premiere section, “Splitsville” has been bought by Neon. This distribution company is well-known for having distributed the last five winners of the Palme d’Or: Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite,” Julia Ducournau’s “Titane,” Ruben Östlund’s “Triangle of Sadness,” Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall,” and Sean Baker’s “Anora.

Splitsville,” released in 2022, is the second film of director Covino, following his 2019 production, “The Climb.” In “The Climb,” which tells the story of two friends embarking on a bicycle journey whose friendship is tested by infidelity, Covino also acted and co-wrote with Marvin. This movie debuted in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes Film Festival and was distributed by Sony Pictures Classics in 2020.

“Splitsville” will premiere in theaters on Aug. 22 via Neon.

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2025-05-19 22:48