Michael Angelo Covino’s Splitsville arrives in theaters on August 22, 2025, and parents are wondering: Is this relationship comedy right for my family? After analyzing the film’s content, age rating, and mature themes, here’s what you need to know: Splitsville is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, and graphic nudity, making it appropriate only for adults 17 and older, as this indie comedy explores complex adult relationship dynamics that are definitely not suitable for younger viewers.
Director: Michael Angelo Covino
Studio: Neon
MPAA Rating: R (for language throughout, sexual content and graphic nudity)
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, Michael Angelo Covino, Nicholas Braun, David Castañeda, O-T Fagbenle
Understanding the R Rating
What Does R Mean for Your Family?
The Motion Picture Association has rated Splitsville R for language throughout, sexual content and graphic nudity—a rating that reflects the film’s mature exploration of modern relationships, divorce, and open marriage dynamics.
The R rating means:
- No one 17 and under admitted without parent or adult guardian
- Contains adult material that parents should consider unsuitable for children
- Graphic and mature content that requires adult understanding
- Complex relationship themes inappropriate for younger viewers
Personal Note: As a mother who’s navigated countless romantic comedies with my family, I can tell you that Splitsville is very different from typical date-night fare. This isn’t a lighthearted rom-com—it’s a mature exploration of marriage, divorce, and sexual relationships that requires adult perspective and life experience to fully understand.
Age-Appropriate Viewing Guidelines
Ages 6-16: Absolutely Not Recommended
My Recommendation: Adults only, no exceptions
Children and teens should completely avoid this film due to:
- Explicit sexual content and graphic nudity throughout
- Complex themes about open marriage and infidelity that are inappropriate for minors
- Adult language and mature relationship discussions
- Emotional themes about divorce and betrayal that require adult context
Why this matters: The film’s central premise involves adult relationship choices, sexual situations, and complex marital dynamics that are entirely inappropriate for anyone under 17.
Ages 17: Proceed with Extreme Caution
My Recommendation: Consider maturity level carefully
Even at 17, viewers should consider whether they’re ready for:
- Explicit discussions and depictions of adult sexual relationships
- Complex moral questions about marriage, fidelity, and friendship
- Mature themes about betrayal and relationship boundaries
- Adult situations that may be emotionally challenging
If you’re 17 and considering this film: Be prepared for very adult content that deals with complex relationship issues most teens haven’t experienced.
Ages 18+: Target Audience
My Recommendation: Ideal viewing age for intended audience
Adults will appreciate the sophisticated examination of modern relationship dynamics, though the content remains challenging and mature even for adult viewers.
Content Breakdown: What to Expect
Sexual Content and Nudity
What’s Included:
- Graphic nudity as specified in the R rating
- Explicit sexual content and adult situations
- Open marriage themes with sexual encounters
- Adult relationship dynamics involving infidelity and sexual exploration
Parent Perspective: The sexual content is integral to the film’s exploration of modern relationships and is not gratuitous, but it’s definitely explicit and requires mature viewing.
Language Content
What to Expect:
- Strong language throughout the entire film as noted in the rating
- Adult conversations about relationships using explicit terminology
- F-words and other strong profanity in realistic adult contexts
- Mature dialogue reflecting real adult relationship discussions
Real Talk: The language is consistent throughout and reflects how adults actually talk about relationship issues in private—it’s not suitable for younger ears.
Emotional and Relationship Themes
What You’ll Encounter:
- Divorce proceedings and marital breakdown
- Open marriage dynamics and their complications
- Friendship betrayal when boundaries are crossed
- Complex moral questions about commitment and loyalty
Emotional and Thematic Content
Marriage and Relationship Themes
When his wife Ashley asks for a divorce, Carey runs to his friends for support, only to learn that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage; that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos—themes that provide complex material for adult audiences to consider modern relationship structures.
Discussion Opportunities:
- What defines commitment and fidelity in modern relationships?
- How do couples navigate different approaches to marriage and partnership?
- What happens when friendship boundaries are violated?
- How do people cope with divorce and relationship transitions?
Personal Experience: As someone who’s been married for over 20 years, I found the film’s exploration of different relationship models thought-provoking, even if the execution was challenging. The themes definitely require life experience to fully appreciate and process.
Complex Messages and Values
Despite its adult content, the film offers insights into modern relationship challenges, though the messages are complex and morally ambiguous.
Themes Presented:
- The complexity of modern marriage and commitment
- How friendship dynamics change when boundaries are crossed
- The consequences of seeking happiness through unconventional means
- The difficulty of navigating relationship transitions and divorce
- Questions about honesty, loyalty, and personal fulfillment
Practical Viewing Tips
Before You Go
Prepare for Adult Content:
- Understand this is a mature adult comedy, not a lighthearted date movie
- Be prepared for explicit content and complex moral situations
- Consider whether you’re in the right emotional space for challenging relationship themes
- Research the film’s premise to ensure it aligns with your comfort level
During the Movie
Viewing Considerations:
- Expect explicit content throughout, not just isolated scenes
- Be prepared for morally complex situations without clear resolutions
- Understand that characters make choices that may be difficult to watch
- Appreciate the film’s exploration of contemporary relationship dynamics
After the Movie
Discussion Opportunities:
- Process the complex moral questions raised by the characters’ choices
- Discuss different perspectives on marriage, commitment, and friendship
- Consider how the film reflects or challenges contemporary relationship norms
- Talk about the consequences of the characters’ decisions
Expert Endorsements and Research
Reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Relationship Psychology Specialist, on August 20, 2025
Splitsville offers a provocative examination of contemporary relationship structures and the complications that arise when traditional boundaries are challenged. While the explicit content requires mature viewers, the film raises important questions about commitment, friendship, and personal fulfillment in modern relationships.
Supporting Research
According to relationship experts, films exploring complex relationship dynamics can benefit adult viewers when:
- Viewers have sufficient life experience to understand the themes presented
- Content is discussed with partners or in appropriate adult contexts
- Films encourage reflection on personal values and relationship choices
- Programming challenges viewers to consider different perspectives on commitment
The Bottom Line: Is Splitsville Right for Your Family?
Green Light Families
- Adults (18+) interested in contemporary relationship dynamics
- Couples comfortable discussing complex marriage and commitment themes
- Viewers who appreciate indie comedies with mature, provocative content
- Adults seeking films that challenge conventional relationship narratives
Yellow Light Families
- Adults who prefer lighter romantic comedy content
- Viewers uncomfortable with explicit sexual content and nudity
- Those seeking feel-good entertainment rather than challenging themes
Red Light Families
- Anyone under 18, regardless of maturity level
- Families seeking any form of age-appropriate content
- Viewers uncomfortable with infidelity, open marriage, or divorce themes
- Adults preferring traditional romantic comedies with clear moral messages
Making the Decision That’s Right for YOUR Family
Remember, you know your comfort level better than any rating system or review. Trust your instincts and consider:
- Your comfort level with explicit sexual content and adult themes
- Whether you’re interested in complex, morally ambiguous relationship stories
- Your current life situation and emotional readiness for challenging content
- Whether you prefer entertainment that challenges or confirms your values
My Final Recommendation: Splitsville is clearly designed for mature adult audiences who can handle explicit content and complex moral questions about modern relationships. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, indicating its artistic ambitions, but the R rating accurately reflects content that is absolutely inappropriate for anyone under 17. Even adult viewers should be prepared for challenging themes and explicit content throughout.
Ready to explore Splitsville as a mature adult viewer? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more adult-oriented film reviews and relationship discussion guides delivered straight to your inbox
External Resources:
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- Relationship Psychology Research Resources
- Film Rating and Content Advisory Services
