Three Hearts, One Complicated Morning After

Read Time:5 Minute, 23 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Threesome
–

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Chad Hartigan
Writer(s): Ethan Ogilby
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruby Cruz, Jaboukie Young-White, Josh Segarra, Robert Longstreet, Arden Myrin, Kristin Slaysman, Allan McLeod, Julia Sweeney
Where to Watch: in select theaters September 5, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: Chad Hartigan’s THE THREESOME begins as the kind of presumptuous premise you might expect from a raunchy sex comedy: two long-time friends finally hook up and bring in a stranger into the mix for a spontaneous night together. However, rather than relying solely on cheap laughs, the film uses that impulsive encounter as the starting point for something more complex. At its core, it’s a romantic comedy with genuine weight — one willing to ask what happens when a fantasy meets reality, and when adults are forced to grow up in the aftermath.

The setup is deceptively simple. Connor (Jonah Hauer-King) has been quietly in love with Olivia (Zoey Deutch) for years. He gets his wish one night, only to find himself in bed not just with her but with Jenny (Ruby Cruz), a stranger who is as sweet and enchanting as she is unpredictable. What follows isn’t played as a moral panic or a cautionary tale; instead, Hartigan and writer Ethan Ogilby treat the situation with honesty. The threesome isn’t the problem. It’s what it awakens in all three of them: desires, insecurities, and questions about the lives they thought they wanted.

Deutch, Hauer-King, and Cruz are the film’s greatest assets. Deutch continues to prove herself one of today’s most charismatic performers; she gives Olivia both a biting wit and a softness that keeps the character from being a manic dream girl stereotype. Hauer-King makes Connor more than just a well-meaning nice guy; his awkwardness feels real, and his later stumbles feel earned. Cruz, perhaps the breakout here, infuses Jenny with a layered vulnerability that complicates what could have been a one-note character.

What makes the film stand out is its refusal to gloss over the consequences of the characters' actions. As the trio navigates pregnancy scares, messy family dynamics, and the harsh light of morning afters, Hartigan manages a balance that feels refreshing. The humor comes from character, not humiliation; the drama is rooted in choices, not contrived misunderstandings. Supporting players like Jaboukie Young-White (as a hilariously blunt friend), Josh Segarra, and Julia Sweeney add without distracting from the central triangle. Hartigan allows scenes to breathe, whether it’s a quiet conversation in a clinic waiting room or an awkward dinner where everyone pretends things aren’t as complicated as they are.

The film is also aware of the cultural baggage it carries. Threesomes have long been used in cinema as punchlines or diversions, rarely as catalysts for character growth. THE THREESOME upends that expectation. The sex itself is not lingered on; instead, the camera and script are more interested in what the characters feel before and after. This choice maintains a respectful tone while still acknowledging the inherent humor in the situation. It’s sexy, but it’s not exploitative; funny, but not cruel.

The film doesn’t rely on glossy escapism; instead, it’s shot with an eye for small moments: a glance across a dinner table, a baby shower that turns hilariously and heartbreakingly awkward. If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that the film occasionally stretches itself a bit long. At nearly two hours, a few moments in the middle feel repetitive, as the narrative circles the same territory before moving forward. But the charm keeps it afloat, and the third act lands with surprising resonance. It’s rare for a comedy like this to end with a sense of ongoing growth. These characters aren’t “fixed,” nor are their relationships.

It’s about accountability — not in a moralizing sense, but in the recognition that intimacy has consequences, and those consequences don’t have to be the end of the world. It’s about the way love can hurt and heal at the same time. And it’s about how the people we least expect can become part of our story in ways we can’t plan.

Recent years have seen a great deal of discussion about the “rom-com renaissance,” but few films have successfully updated the genre without losing its heart. THE THREESOME succeeds because it lets adults act like adults. They make mistakes, they talk about them, they take responsibility, and they still get to be funny and sexy along the way.

Ultimately, THE THREESOME is about what happens after the fantasy. It’s chaotic, it’s heartfelt, and it never condescends to its audience or its characters. For anyone craving a romantic comedy that reflects the real-life complexities of love and sex in the modern world, this one delivers. It’s as hilarious as it is humane — and it just might sneak up on you with how much it has to say about growing up when you thought you already had.

#TheThreesomeMovie

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.