"You, Me & Her", a refreshing take on classic marital comedy, valiantly defies conventional narrative arcs that often condemn couples' experiments with multiple partners. This candid portrayal of polyamory, directed by Dan Levy Dagerman and led by writer-star Selina Ringel, is less about the adventurous side of non-monogamy and more about navigating the intimidating hurdles of enduring marital life.
This subtly humorous film creates a dramatic heft quite unexpected from its initial playful tone. Since its debut in the festival circuit in 2023, the movie has been digitally distributed through the platform, Attend, making it the first of its kind.
The storyline follows the turbulent ten-year marriage of Mags (Ringel), a Mexican-American working for her father's private equity firm, and Ash (Ritesh Rajan), an Indian-American striving to establish a grand marijuana business sourced from imported seeds. Amid professional anxieties and mounting domestic discord, the couple ventures to a luxury eco-resort in Mexico, aiming to bring back some much-needed harmony in their relationship.
Upon encountering a couple involved in swinging and meeting the free-spirited yoga instructor Angela (Sydney Park), Mags' dormant bisexuality stirs. The tryst with Angela evokes enthusiasm more than envy in them, creating an air of adventurous anticipation.
Though their carnal rendezvous goes awry courtesy of unwanted guests, the fling rekindles their passion, offering a glimmer of hope. The narrative gains considerable depth as tensions erupt into a bitter argument, pushing their relationship to the brink.
Despite their flaws, the characters' raw sentiments resonate effectively, making their eventual reconciliation satisfyingly credible. The brisk pacing and magnificent performances, despite the misleading title "You, Me & Her", hit the intended targets with notable prowess. Moreover, the script's ability to smartly contextually avoid cheap humor adds a welcome charm. Thus, the movie’s modest aims perfectly match its accomplished execution.
