Michael Angelo Covino’s comedy “Splitsville” made a significant impact during its premiere at Cannes on Monday, receiving an enthusiastic six-minute standing ovation that brought the director to tears. Dakota Johnson, a first-time attendee at Cannes, offered her encouragement with a heartfelt hug as the applause continued.
The film, which features Johnson alongside Covino, Adria Arjona, and Kyle Marvin, showcases a unique blend of humor and underlying messages about relationships. It explores the complexities of an open marriage through the lens of two couples facing chaos when one partner seeks a divorce. Johnson, showcasing her humility, waved away the cheers as Arjona received her own round of applause, while Jason Momoa cheered for his girlfriend from the row behind.
Covino emphasized the need for more comedies at prestigious film festivals like Cannes, asserting that laughter is best experienced in a theater setting. The premier attracted notable industry figures including Ari Aster and last year’s Palme d’Or winner Sean Baker.
“Splitsville” is characterized by its playful yet sharp satire, beginning with a comedic mishap that leads to a marriage breakdown and stirring up chaos among friends. As the story unfolds, it delves into serious themes about communication and understanding within relationships, often punctuated by humor, including memorable comedic moments involving nudity and confrontations between the couples.
The film boasts a robust cast including Nicholas Braun, David Castañeda, and O-T Fagbenle. Covino and Marvin co-wrote the script, while Johnson served as a producer through her TeaTime Pictures. The film was acquired by Neon ahead of its festival debut, marking another collaboration with the distributor, known for their success with recent Palme d’Or winners.
“Splitsville” serves as Covino’s second feature following “The Climb,” further establishing him as a noteworthy filmmaker. The comedy is set to reach theaters on August 22, promising audiences a mix of humor, real-life relationship dynamics, and insightful commentary.
With its combination of laughter and meaningful themes, “Splitsville” is poised to resonate with viewers and contributes positively to the current cinematic landscape.