Splitsville Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

Splitsville Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 16, 2025

Screenwriters Kyle Marvin and Michael Angelo Covino found their way to some notice in 2020’s “The Climb,” where they explored the complications of life and love while following a study of male friendship. The duo returns with “Splitsville,” and they don’t stray far from their dramatic interests, once again inspecting the difficulties of partnerships and connections, this time involving married couples trying to make sense of a newfound curiosity around the ways of open relationships. Marvin and Covino (who also directs) have something slightly wacky in mind for the feature, but they also try to blend in emotionality and perhaps a bit of reality as they construct a semi-farce. “Splitsville” is funny and very strange, following a screenplay that’s attempting to share bizarre behaviors and relationships, out to remain approachable while dealing with thorny issues of jealousy and control. It’s a fascinating tonal tightrope walk at times.

Carey (Kyle Marvin) is married to life coach Ashley (Adria Arjona), and while he enjoys their time together, making plans for a brighter future, his spouse finally admits she doesn’t want to be with him anymore. Ashley is interested in other men, making plans to end her marriage, sending Carey to seek the comfort of his best friend, Paul (Michael Angelo Covino), who’s married to artist Julie (Dakota Johnson). Living with the pair while he sorts his life out, Carey is exposed to the world of Paul and Julie’s open relationship, learning more about the separation of psychological and physical commitments. Such discipline is tested when Carey and Julie have sex, greatly complicating matters between Carey and Paul. Newly enlightened by an alternative view of marital connection, Carey tries to capture Ashley’s attention once again, sharing comfort with her quest for lovers while managing his own feelings for Julie as his life starts to fall apart.

“Splitsville” has a lot of surprises, putting Marvin and Covino to work dreaming up disruptions in the lives of the four main characters, though the writing is most interested in Carey’s reaction to all the wreckage coming for him. The man experiences matters of life and death right from the start, watching as a sexual experience with Ashley in their car turns into a highway mess that offers a reminder of mortality, strengthening her resolve to escape the marriage and live more freely with her choice of lovers. Instead of handling the news, Carey runs away, connecting him to Paul and Julie, who help to introduce the idea of an open marriage to the middle-aged man. Emotions run hot once Julie shows interest in Carey, and “Splitsville” brings physical comedy into the picture, tracking a lengthy fight between the bros that smashes up the house and manages to burn off the guest’s eyebrows, generating some amusing mayhem as Marvin and Covino stage a little first act unrest.

“Splitsville” uses emotional vulnerability to explore the various relationships in the feature, tracking Carey’s awakening as he connects with the open marriage concept, finding an intimate moment with Julie rejuvenating his confidence. The screenplay works to chip away at his newfound sense of balance, as jealousy begins to poison and already troubling situation. Carey finds issues during a trip to an amusement park with Julie and her young son Rus (Simon Webster), watching as another man captures her attention. And Ashley’s life is explored, handling a stream of men and the return of Carey, who’s freshly inspired to save their union via open marriage. “Splitsville” finds its most inspired writing in this reunion, as Carey befriends Ashley’s men, creating a type of commune experience, helping him to find purpose (contributing to his desire to be a father) in the oddest manner imaginable. This living situation brings big laughs to the movie, also serving as a nice example of Marvin and Covino’s imagination for broad events and sensitive issues involving overwhelmed people.

Splitsville Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation (1.85:1 aspect ratio) for "Splitsville" favors a warmer palette for the shot-on-film production, exploring golden sunlight and defined style on decorative additions. Costuming is distinct, often favoring creamier whites and browns. Skin tones are natural. Detail is appreciable, exploring rougher skin particulars on the male characters as they take a beating during the movie. Clothing retains some fibrousness. Housing interiors maintain cavernousness. Exteriors are deep, exploring varied locations, including an amusement park. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is can be a little chunky at times, and blockiness is encountered. Some banding is periodically detected.

Splitsville Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix maintains some force for a character-driven comedy, with stunt elements and heavier beats offering compelling low-end. Dialogue exchanges are satisfactory, balancing performance styles and dramatic escalations. Musical elements support with defined instrumentation, and soundtrack selections maintain clear vocals. Surrounds are active, with interesting panning effects following conversations and character position. Atmospherics also explore outdoor events and community gatherings.

Splitsville Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "The Making of 'Splitsville'" (7:14, HD) features interviews with writer/director/actor Michael Angelo Covino, writer/actor Kyle Marvin, stunt coordinator Tyler Hall, producer Emily Korteweg, and actors Nicholas Braun and Simon Webster. What's offered here is a brief overview of the production, exploring the plot of "Splitsville" and its casting choices. More interesting is BTS footage, as the feature was shot on 35mm film, and analysis of stunt work, as Covino and Marvin did most of the physical action themselves. Also amusing is a brief look at Webster, who experienced his first roller coaster ride during the shoot, captured by cameras for a sequence in the feature.

• T.V. Spots (HD) offer "Guilt" (:31) and "Normal" (:31).

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:21, HD) is included.

Splitsville Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Splitsville" runs into a few problems during its second half, which isn't quite as compelling as its first. Marvin and Covino dig into financial difficulties facing Paul and Julie, and Rus is promoted to a supporting player, presenting behavior issues the adults don't know how to solve. The overall arc of the material is the pursuit of balance, putting the characters on the hunt for happiness as they plow through self-destructive and exploratory behaviors. "Splitsville" generates an appealing level of madness during this odyssey, hitting on some universal truths about life and love in the midst of exaggerated conflicts and resolutions, also celebrating Marvin and Covino's unusual sense of humor, which helps to brighten up this screwy take on communication.