Chad Hartigan's sixth feature, "The Threesome," starts as a typical rom-com set at a wedding but as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Hartigan is playing with a deeper layer of complexity. Hartigan, who has previously directed both dramas and comedies, attempts to blend Ethan Ogilby’s humoristic premise of an unexpected ménage à trois with the more serious relationship dynamics it implies. The outcome is mixed but is undeniably intriguing and charming owing to the talented cast.
The protagonists, friends of Connor (Jonah Hauer-King), are at a wedding while Connor harbors the hope of proposing to Olivia (Zoey Deutch), a waitress resistant to his advances. The dynamic changes when a customer named Jenny (Ruby Cruz) enters the picture, leading to all three ending up at Connor’s apartment. After an evening of truth-or-dare aided by marijuana, both women end up spending the night but it's only Jenny he finds next to him when he wakes up.
Despite Connor's dilemma of being attracted to Olivia, but potentially having a more stable liaison with Jenny, the film focuses less on competition and more on self-discovery. The shared night binds the trio in a mesh of emotions, leading them to understand their needs and desires better.
"The Threesome,” with its blend of rom-com and drama, sometimes wavers between genre classifications. The film's aesthetics lean towards the earthy tones and casual beauty employed in Hartigan's previous work "Little Fish". However, these elements sometimes seem at odds with broader humor brought by supporting cast members Arden Myrin, Robert Longstreet, and Julia Sweeney. Yet, credits to Zoey Deutch's acting prowess, the movie manages to navigate these tonal shifts effectively.
Despite its tantalizing title, "The Threesome" is more about investigation of complex emotions than audacious display. It's commendable that Hartigan and Ogilby dared to dig deeper into the concept they've create rather than settling for cheap laughs. It's a more mature take that aligns with the characters’ own evolution throughout the film, making for a much richer viewing experience.
