Remember 2019’s “The Climb,” the sole American film in the Un Certain Regard section and a breakout title that year? Well, its director and co-writer, Michael Angelo Covino, finally has a new movie on the way called “Splitsville.” Moreover, it boasts a terrific cast that features Covino, Dakota Johnson (“Daddio”), Adria Arjona (“Andor,” “Hitman”), and Kyle Marvin, the co-writer and co-star of “The Climb” (read our review here; check out our interview with Covino and Marvin here).
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Marvin will also co-write “Splitsville” with Covino, and the comedy centers on the complications of an open marriage. Ashley (Arjona) asks for a divorce and sees her soon-to-be ex, the good-natured Carey (Marvin), running to his friends, Julie (Johnson) and Paul (Covino), for support. He’s shocked to discover that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage; that is until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos, per Deadline.
The project reunites Neon and Topic Studios following their work together on “Infinity Pool.” Covino and Marvin have a first-look deal at Topic. “Splitsville” is set to go into production this fall and be released next year.
The project has a similar vibe to “The Climb,” a biking trip comedy where one friend reveals that he’s sleeping with the other’s fiancée.
“The Climb” was terrific and ushered in a new cinematic voice from Covino and Marvin. It was part deadpan comedy, part screwball comedy, and part comedy rooted in the French tradition of Jacques Tati and Pierre Étaix. It was also one of the best-shot comedies in ages, with terrific composition, framing, and camera movements to accentuate the hilarious sly comedy.
It’s terrific that Covino and Marvin are back, and we can’t wait to see this one.