The Threesome brings a fresh twist to the romantic comedy genre, unfolding a story that starts as a fairytale but quickly spirals into a complex web of emotions. The film follows Connor, a shy young man drawn into an unexpected threesome with his long-time crush, Olivia, and a mysterious girl named Jenny. While Connor’s fantasy initially becomes a reality as he and Olivia embark on a budding romance, everything changes when Jenny reenters the picture, complicating matters further.
This enticing film is penned by Ethan Ogilby and helmed by Chad Hartigan, known for his earlier works like Morris from America and Little Fish. The cast features Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid) as Connor, Zoey Deutch (Set It Up) playing Olivia, Ruby Cruz (The Sex Lives of College Girls) as Jenny, and Jaboukie Young-White (Companion) as Greg. Together, they bring to life a beautifully messy and realistic portrayal of modern-day relationships in this engaging rom-com.
During an interview with ScreenRant, Liam Crowley engaged director Chad Hartigan and the star-studded cast, including Deutch, Hauer-King, Cruz, and Young-White, at the South by Southwest 2025 festival. In their conversation, they explored how each character navigates their unique dynamics, with Young-White even drawing parallels between himself and his character, Greg. He also provided an update on his stalled animated film project based on the life of late rapper Juice WRLD, which has faced uncertainty since its announcement in 2021.
The Director Wanted To Tell A Messier, More Realistic Story
Chad Hartigan’s vision for The Threesome is underscored by his belief that the romantic comedy needs a revival—one that leans into the authentic and often chaotic nature of love. In his own words, “I think the rom-com renaissance…has been limited to the purely wish-fulfillment, fantasy side of romance.” He aims to shift that narrative towards a more complex and relatable portrayal of romantic entanglements, tackling what real life looks like amidst the messiness.
Zoey Deutch & Ruby Cruz On How Olivia & Jenny Find Their Way To Connor
Deutch Has A Book Recommendation For You
When discussing Olivia’s feelings for Connor, Deutch referred to the insightful book Attached, which explores different attachment styles in relationships. She elaborated, saying that Olivia is avoidant, perhaps knowing deep down her feelings for Connor but needing to see him with someone else to take the leap toward acting on her emotions. It’s an intriguing angle that adds layers to her character’s development throughout the film.
She’s kind of the product of a lot of other people’s BS.
On the other hand, Cruz’s character, Jenny, has a different take on the relationship. She highlights that throughout the film, Jenny often finds herself in the backdrop, feeling as though she has been relegated to playing second fiddle. Cruz shares, “[That’s] in her own life, too. She kind of takes the outside approach to a lot of things… It is a really hard position for her to be in.”
“I’m An Exacerbator”: Jaboukie Young-White Talks Greg’s Role In The Threesome
Young-White Compares Greg To Himself
In his portrayal of Greg, Young-White describes his character as an exacerbator rather than an instigator, saying, “I think they’ve already instigated everything… I’m just moving in a little bit.” He embraces this role wholeheartedly, revealing that stirring the pot is a penchant of his both on-screen and off. His comedic flair adds a unique angle to Greg’s character, injecting humor into the evolving dynamics of the friendship.
Jaboukie Young-White Shares A Discouraging Update About His Juice WRLD Animated Film
At The End Of The Day “Who Knows?”
In 2021, it was announced that Young-White was working on an animated film based on Juice WRLD’s life, capturing the essence of the late artist who left us too soon. However, when asked about the project’s status, he lamented, “I don’t think that’s happening anymore… For something like that, you need rights.” This poignant reality sheds light on the often unpredictable nature of creative projects.
The Threesome premiered on March 7 at the ZACH Theatre during SXSW 2025, with additional screenings planned for March 10 at 7 PM CT and March 11 at 11:30 AM CT. The film is presently seeking U.S. distribution.
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Source: Screen Rant Plus