Splitsville Shakes Up Cannes with Star-Studded Premiere and Open Marriage Mayhem

Dakota Johnson, Maha Dakhill, and Ro Donnelly / Photo Credit: Courtesy of Max Cisotti / Dave Benett.

CANNES: Michael Angelo Covino’s Splitsville Brings Open Marriage Chaos—and Star Power—to the Croisette

Believe us when we say this: the rich are still bored, and they’re still weird. From open marriages to hotwife-churchwife dynamics, kink in conservative spaces is having a moment—and that moment just landed at Cannes. Michael Angelo Covino’s Splitsville, an open-marriage comedy with sharp teeth, premiered last night as part of the festival’s star-studded lineup. The film explores what happens when one man’s heartbreak collides with another couple’s sexually liberated lifestyle—and the fallout that follows when things get a little too open.

After Ashley (Adria Arjona) asks for a divorce, the good-natured Carey (Kyle Marvin) turns to his married friends Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Michael Angelo Covino) for support. But what starts as healing quickly turns into temptation, as Carey discovers their secret to marital bliss is an open relationship—one he’s about to seriously test.

While the length of the standing ovation remains unconfirmed (someone, somewhere has the footage—we’re sure of it), the buzz is real. Neon released a batch of sleek after-party photos following the world premiere, with the entire cast and crew in attendance. Notable guests included Jason Momoa, Alexander and Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Baker, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jeremy O. Harris, and Eva Victor.

Splitsville signals a return to theatrical storytelling for adult-driven relationship chaos—moving the conversation from HBO and Showtime back to the big screen. It’s messy, sexy, satirical, and ready to stir up debates.

Kyle Marvin and Michael Angelo Covino at the After Party for the World Premiere of Splitsville in Cannes on May 19, 2025

The film stars and is produced by Dakota Johnson, with Adria Arjona also serving as executive producer. Kyle Marvin co-wrote, produced, and stars alongside Covino, who also directs and produces. The production team is rounded out by Emily Korteweg, Ryan Heller, Jeff Deutchman, Ro Donnelly, and Samantha Racanelli.

Expect more from Splitsville soon—trailers, distribution news, and maybe even more drama from the red carpet. Until then, check out the premiere coverage and get ready for one of the most anticipated relationship comedies of the year.

AFTER ASHLEY (ARJONA) ASKS FOR A DIVORCE, GOOD-NATURED CAREY (MARVIN) RUNS 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.

Directed by: Michael Angelo Covino

Written by: Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, Michael Angelo Covino, Nicholas Braun

David Castañeda, O-T Fagbenle

Producers: Emily Korteweg, Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin, Ryan Heller, Jeff Deutchman, Dakota Johnson, Ro Donnelly, Samantha Racanelli