Splitsville

In the final act the tangled relationships finally come to a head at Russ’s birthday party. Julie, still unable to let go of Paul, slips back into his arms and the two make love in the backyard, only to be caught by Carey, who watches the scene in stunned silence. Shortly after, Carey and Ashley give in to the attraction that has been simmering between them, sharing a kiss that quickly turns intimate. The night erupts into chaos when a fire breaks out; Paul rushes forward to help, demonstrating that, despite everything, he still cares for the people around him.

The aftermath shows how each character moves forward. Paul is later sentenced for the financial fraud that ruined his business, but he maintains contact with his old friends. When he is released, he discovers that Julie has filed for divorce, though she has not yet responded. Their connection remains a fragile mixture of lingering desire and unresolved hurt, and they continue to see each other sporadically, never fully rekindling their marriage. Meanwhile, Carey realizes that his brief fling with Julie was more about curiosity than love, and he chooses to commit to Ashley. The two eventually welcome a child, grounding themselves in a more conventional family life.

A year later the former circle reconvenes at the now‑converted beach house, now an Airbnb. Paul, Julie, Carey, and Ashley share a weekend that is less about romance and more about friendship, even as the men bicker over a jet‑ski accusation that ends in slap‑fight. Though the men still act childishly, the women—Julie and Ashley—watch with amused resignation, their bond stronger than before.

In short, the film closes on a bittersweet equilibrium: Paul and Julie remain linked by history and occasional intimacy but are no longer a couple; Carey and Ashley have built a new life together with a baby; and the once‑volatile friendships have settled into a tentative, if chaotic, camaraderie. The ending underscores that the pursuit of “open” arrangements rarely resolves deeper insecurities, and that genuine connection often emerges in the most unexpected, ordinary moments.

Last Updated: October 08, 2025 at 10:03