### "Splitsville": A Chaotic Comedy of Marital Woes from Michael Angelo Covino

Fitfully amusing yet sometimes overwrought, Michael Angelo Covino's latest venture, "Splitsville," dives headlong into the messy realities of divorce and dysfunctional relationships. Following his acclaimed debut "The Climb," Covino’s broader sophomore project makes an unintended strong case for the simplicity of parting ways.

The story centers around Carey, played by Kyle Marvin, who finds himself unexpectedly divorced by his wife Ashley, portrayed by Adria Arjona, just one year into their marriage. While Carey's friends assure him that divorces are only challenging if kids or substantial finances are involved, Carey seems determined to complicate matters. This set-up snowballs into a hyperactive romantic comedy that entertains but can also grate on the nerves, as it follows two diverging couples navigating a tumultuous path away from each other.

Covino collaborates again with Marvin, his real-life friend and co-writer, to explore the quirks of male friendship and marital entanglements. In contrast to "The Climb," however, the focus here shifts from bromance to the complexities and absurdities of married life. Though premiering at the Cannes Film Festival’s non-competitive section, "Splitsville" steps towards more commercial and broader comedic territory. Adding to its allure, Dakota Johnson appears as the highly desirable object of affection for the two male protagonists, contributing A-list star power to the film.

The narrative revolves around four central characters, all flawed in their unique ways and driven by recognizable comic traits rather than deep human complexity. Marvin's protagonist, Carey, is a well-meaning but hapless individual, thrust out of his depth in multiple relationships. Meanwhile, Covino himself stars as Paul, a brash property developer, whose alpha-male antics clash with his gentle-natured artist wife, Julie, played by Johnson.

The plot thickens as Carey, recuperating at Paul’s luxury beach house, learns about Paul and Julie’s open marriage. This revelation sets off a series of farcical events, including a reckless affair between Carey and Julie that leads to a spectacularly chaotic brawl between Paul and Carey, irreparably damaging the beach house and sending the narrative spiraling further into absurdity.

Despite the film’s often laughable hijinks, it touches on some real insights, particularly regarding the communication gaps that tend to exist in male friendships. The supporting cast, including Charlie Gillespie as one of Ashley's notably dim exes, contributes to the humor with perfectly timed wit and some brutally candid exchanges.

While “Splitsville” boasts moments of witty dialogue and sharp humor, several comic set pieces can feel forced and bloated. The contrasting energies of the cast members often result in more conflict than chemistry. Ultimately, the film’s frenzied push-pull dynamics may leave audiences fatigued rather than satisfied, as it becomes clear that the characters themselves might be better off seeking new relationships.

In sum, "Splitsville" delivers a roller-coaster of chaotic relationship mishaps—an entertaining, albeit uneven, exploration of love and friendship that leaves its characters and viewers pondering the value of seeing other people.