EX-HUSBANDS gives a poignant look at the life cycle of relationships
Ex-Husbands
Written and directed by Noah Pritzker
Starring Griffin Dunne, James Norton, Miles Heizer, and Rosanna Arquette
Unrated
Runtime: 1 hour and 39 minutes
In US theaters February 21
by Chelsea Alexandra, Staff Writer
When one chapter of your life ends, it’s often hard to imagine what the next one will look like. The uncertainty of the unknown can be overwhelming, and the desire to hold on to what’s familiar—what feels safe—can be strong. In Noah Pritzker’s Ex-Husbands, this tension between holding on and letting go is a central theme. The film opens with Peter joining his father, mother, and wife for a trip to the movies. However, the outing quickly takes a heavy turn when Peter’s father reveals that he’s getting a divorce. This seemingly mundane activity quickly sets the stage for the emotional undertone that runs throughout Ex-Husbands. As the movie begins, Peter reaches for his wife’s hand, never wanting to let go.
Peter Pearce (Griffin Dunne), a Manhattan dentist, is blindsided when his wife of 35 years, Maria (Rosanna Arquette), leaves him. Reeling from the shock of his failed marriage, Peter impulsively heads to Tulum, Mexico, where he unknowingly crashes the bachelor party of his son Nick (James Norton). As Peter attempts to process his heartbreak in a supposed paradise, he finds himself entangled in the romantic and existential struggles of his two sons. On the verge of getting married, Nick begins to struggle with doubts and insecurities about the place in his life. On the surface, Nick is exuding an air of cool confidence. However, while in Mexico, it becomes harder to keep up with the facade for his father and brother. Meanwhile Peter’s younger son, Mickey (Miles Heizer), recently came out to his family and is dealing with his relationship uncertainties while in Mexico.
As father and sons unexpectedly find themselves thrust together in a setting for relaxation and indulgence, tensions begin to surface. Peter, reeling from his divorce, tries to bond with his children. Though Peter and Nick are at different stages of their lives, they are both dealing with relationship instability and what that means for their future.
Ex-Husbands is a charming and likable film that offers a thoughtful look at the complexities of relationships. It doesn’t shy away from portraying the messiness of life after divorce, but it does so with a light touch, steering clear of melodrama and opting instead for a more nuanced, character-driven approach. The story unfolds at its own unhurried pace, allowing the audience to spend time with the characters. The film invites us to reflect on the difficulty of moving on from past wounds and the challenges of embracing new beginnings.
While it doesn’t necessarily break new ground, strong performances elevate the film. The characters feel real and lived in. Pritzker’s script is brimming with lively and engaging conversations between the lead trio. The interactions are rich and natural, offering a real depth to the characters' dynamics. There’s a kind of understated pleasure in observing the exchanges, where vulnerability is met with understanding and humor. Ex-Husbands carries a tone and sensibility reminiscent of a Noah Baumbach film. It’s wryly observant and bittersweet. The script is filled with sharp, unforced conversations. Whether it’s Peter trying to reconnect with his sons or awkwardly engaging with his ex-wife, there is a natural rhythm in the writing that keeps you engaged. Pritzker allows each scene to breathe. The film’s most powerful moments feel quietly devastating rather than overtly dramatic.
Dunne excels at capturing the complexity of Peter’s emotions following his divorce. He doesn’t rely on overt displays of grief; instead, his performance is marked by quieter moments of discomfort, and uncertainty. As a father, Peter is neither perfect nor completely disengaged, and Dunne captures this nuanced relationship beautifully. He conveys Peter’s love and care for his sons, even when he struggles to connect with them. As a father, Peter is neither perfect nor completely disengaged, and Dunne captures this nuanced relationship beautifully. He conveys Peter’s love and care for his sons, even when he struggles to connect with them.
What’s particularly impressive about Dunne’s portrayal is his ability to hold the screen with such a quiet presence. Peter is not the loudest or most overtly charismatic character. Yet, Dunne fills the role with a grounded, understated energy that makes him captivating to watch. Dunne brings some humor to Peter and shines when recalling a somewhat embarrassing story to strangers. As he tells the story, he’s animated and fully engaged, clearly in his element. There’s no pressure to be a father, to offer wisdom or guidance—he’s simply a man enjoying a moment of connection.
The film centers around Peter’s emotional journey and his relationship with his son’s post-divorce. However, Ex-Husbands never dives deeper into the relationship between him and his ex-wife. Throughout the film, we see glimpses of what their marriage may have been. There is some warmth and tenderness between the two, however, there is also a tension and awkwardness in each interaction. Their communication is strained, often circling around unspoken emotions, as Peter tries to understand where things went wrong and whether there was something he could have done differently.
With humor and poignancy, Ex-Husbands depicts how relationships can begin, how they falter, and how people pick up the pieces, through the lens of three men at different stages of their romantic lives. Ex-Husbands paints a thoughtful, bittersweet portrait of love, loss, and the challenge of moving forward.
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