Splitsville

Carey is a married man who seeks connection beyond his monogamous vows, initially pursuing Julie while navigating an open relationship. He becomes increasingly jealous as his emotional attachment deepens, exposing his fear of losing both Ashley and Julie. His choices draw him into multiple relationships and tests his ability to balance affection with fidelity. By the end, Carey and Ashley are back together and have a baby, signaling a complicated but lasting bond.

Ashley is Carey’s wife who contemplates divorce after the initial tragedy and delves into a string of short-term affairs. She resents the open arrangement and the attention given to other lovers, creating friction with Carey. Her relationships complicate the household dynamic and reflect her desire for autonomy and control. In the end she reunites with Carey and they welcome a baby together.

Julie is Paul’s wife who agrees to an open relationship, seeking freedom while preserving her bond with her husband. She forms a deep emotional connection with Carey, challenging existing loyalties and triggering a cascade of revelations. She reveals that, during her relationship with Paul, she did not sleep with anyone else, complicating the crowd's dynamics. Eventually, she and Paul are separated but maintain a sexual relationship, while her connection with Carey remains significant.

Paul is Julie’s husband who agrees to an open relationship out of insecurity and fear of losing his wife. His insecurity fuels confrontations and a downward spiral involving bankruptcy and legal trouble. He engages in manipulative and passive-aggressive behavior, straining the family until a chaotic resolution. Ultimately, he signs divorce papers after his release from jail, and while separated, maintains a sexual relationship with Julie.

Russ is Paul and Julie’s son who becomes the focal point of adult conflicts, notably during a jet-ski dispute and at his birthday party. He acts as a vulnerable anchor amid the adults' tangled relationships, reminding them of the impact their choices have on family life. His presence grounds the drama and reveals the consequences of the adults' decisions on a child.

Brent is the father of a friend of Russ who flirts with Julie at a carnival, triggering Carey’s jealousy. He represents an external temptation that pressures the couple to confront their boundaries. His presence heightens the risk of infidelity and spotlights the fragility of the open arrangement.

Matt is Ashley’s lover, a mentalist who performs at the party and becomes part of the open-relationship network. He embodies casual dynamics and the allure of new connections, complicating emotional ties. He participates in the group’s negotiations and their consequences, illustrating the film’s exploration of desire and consent.