The 2025 Cannes Film Festival witnessed a wave of laughter and emotional moments as Splitsville, a modern romantic comedy directed by Michael Angelo Covino and starring Dakota Johnson, made its world premiere. The film received an enthusiastic six-minute standing ovation, highlighting the audience’s appreciation for its humorous yet relatable take on relationships.
The warm reception moved Covino to tears, prompting a touching moment on stage as Johnson hugged him and kissed his cheek. Overwhelmed by the support, Covino shared a heartfelt remark that resonated throughout the venue:
“We need to keep making comedies for Cannes. Laughter belongs in a theater—not just on a screen at home.”
A Modern Take on Love and Open Relationships
Splitsville explores the complexity of contemporary relationships with a comedic twist. Johnson and Covino portray Julie and Paul, a couple navigating life in an open marriage. Their unconventional setup is challenged when their friend Carey, played by Kyle Marvin, finds himself in emotional turmoil following his wife Ashley’s (Adria Arjona) sudden request for a divorce.
As their intertwined relationships begin to unravel, the film cleverly portrays the chaos and emotional layers of love, trust, and friendship. The ensemble cast also includes Nicholas Braun, David Castañeda, Charlie Gillespie, Simon Webster, Stephen Adekolu, Tyrone Benskin, and O-T Fagbenle. Covino and Marvin co-wrote the screenplay, with Dakota Johnson also serving as one of the film’s producers.
Dakota Johnson Talks About Wrapping Up Verity
While promoting Splitsville, Johnson shared another exciting update. The actress recently completed filming Verity, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. In an interview with Variety, she admitted that she wasn’t familiar with the story until receiving the script.
“It’s based on a Colleen Hoover book that a lot of people are really into,” Johnson said. “I think I’m the villain in this one—and it’s so fun.”
In Verity, Johnson plays a ghostwriter hired by a character played by Josh Hartnett to finish a book series for his wife Verity, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. The suspenseful plot promises to show Johnson in a new light, far removed from her romantic comedy roots.
