Written by: Ethan Ogilby
Starring: Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruby Cruz, Jaboukie Young-White, Josh Segarra
Rating: [4/5]
In general everyone can subscribe to the belief that actions have consequences. We know that exists, but at times when in the throes of something pleasurable, these consequences seem far more inconsequential compared to what we have before us. However, these consequences remain, as we see in The Threesome, a film with the makings of something comical, but it punches an emotional gut punch in the process as well.
Deperate to capture the affection of Olivia (Zoey Deutch), Connor (Jonah Hauer-King) has yet to succeed because of her lack of feelings and wanting to commit. This leads to Connor meeting Jenny (Ruby Cruz), which sparks a bit of jealousy in Olivia. On a night where the three of them hang out, it leads to them sharing in a threesome. While Connor still pursues something just between him and Olivia, he discovers both she and Jenny are pregnant.
Reading the synopsis of his film, you would think it’s some unserious comedy. What are the chances a guy has a threesome with two women and they both end up pregnant? Well, it does not happen as cleanly as it may sound, and the messiness involved in accentuating the flaws of each character brings the humor this film has to offer in addition to the surprisingly emotionally mature components of how these characters react to their new reality. This presents the opportunity for the actors involved to thrive as we go through this topsy-turvy ride.
Of the many great things The Threesome accomplishes its greatest feat, lying in balancing both the objectively comedic element from the outside perspective and a real tenderness that exists between these characters. None of these individuals carry any real malice towards each other, which proves quite important as different reveals completely flip the script on multiple occasions throughout the runtime. We simply have three flawed individuals trying to make the best of their situation and attempting to handle it all as adults. Many hard decisions get made, hearts get broken, and for audience members, we receive a thoughtful and entertaining film.
As reveals occur that change the dynamics on display, this film does well to give each character’s perspective some credence. For Olivia, she finally wants to give a relationship with Connor an opportunity to thrive despite all of her fears, and her discovery of Jenny also carrying his child decimates her. Jenny had herself a fun night with these two individuals and never envisioned being caught up in something much more complicated. Then we have Connor at the center of it all, who engaged in this threesome almost as a way to simply have sex with Olivia with Jenny as a bonus. He has eyes for her, but everything seemingly gets in the way of this finally happening for him. He, by no means, carries no fault in some of the actions throughout this film, but there’s a vulnerability to this character that took me aback. In a film with this premise, the Connor character could have easily been this idiot playing much of this all for laughs, but the character we receive has a sensitivity to him in his desire to do the right thing. It’s ultimately what makes him such an endearing character and allows Jonah Hauer-King to impress me like never before.
Mostly only watching him in The Little Mermaid prior to this film, Hauer-King mightily impresses in his portrayal of the male lead. The way he carries the emotional weight of this predicament on his shoulders worked wonders as he became the anchor that held down the core of this story. Ultimately, the majority of this film rests on his shoulders, and he has to do it all. From the comedy necessary, being our sad boy, but also being charming enough that we would buy him being a guy caught in this situation. He pairs so well with Zoey Deutch and Ruby Cruz, who each dazzle in their own respect. Deutch is no stranger to turning in excellent work, as she has demonstrated throughout her career, but I want to recognize Ruby Cruz. First splashing onto my radar with a minor role in the hilarious Bottoms, she receives a meatier one as Jenny here, and she shines. She has the smallest of the principal roles, but in her time, she develops this lovable but flawed character and helps make us question why Connor so desperately chases Olivia with Jenny right there.
Nothing about the buildup to The Threesome would have led me to believe we would get a film such as what we received here. From the title to the premise, this manages to surprise at every turn. It certainly has its many moments of silliness with twists and turns that at times feel like a bit much, but the emotional grounding and maturity on display ensure we never lose focus on our connection to these characters. A lovely surprise in every sense of the word.
Films with Josh 
