“Couples Weekend” follows two couples who are trapped in a cozy cabin by a blizzard. After ringing in the new year with a mysterious cocktail, their romantic getaway turns into a showdown of secrets, betrayals and shifting loyalties.
As a relationship drama, “Couples Weekend” is effective almost immediately. It sets up weird dynamics and miniscule insecurities in both couples, but it’s just scratching the surface. Very quickly, the story moves in a direction that results in even more awkwardness. Because of this, there’s instant tension that gradually keeps building up.
As the couples navigate their own relationships, Henry Hayes’ editing comes into play. The film shifts back and forth while characters tackle similar conversations with their partners. Not only does this help deliver two sides to the same story, but it also adds a comedic tone because of the differing outcomes. On their own, these extended sequences of dialogue could grow taxing. However, this editing keeps them engaging and fast-paced.
A Dramedy Torn Between Tones
At the same time, the early narrative progressions do cause a major problem: it’s unrealistic. Character motivations don’t make sense, with their decisions simply drawing out the impending confrontation rather than tackling it head-on. This leaves much of the strain within the film feeling fabricated rather than earned. Eventually, though, it does go all-in.
On top of the dramatics, “Couples Weekend” is inherently a comedy. Most of the time, it’s “cringe” humor. The film deals with serious subjects of infidelity, distrust and relationship issues, making them more accessible through laughter. This works in spurts, but it mostly leaves the movie feeling void of purpose.
In the process, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone. There are moments when characters engage in grounded, relatable dialogue. In others, they speak in ways that serve no realistic purpose outside of attempting to generate forced laughs. Because the focus is scattered, “Couples Weekend” is never able to attain its own mood.
Lost in the Cocktail Chaos
If you read the synopsis and have wondered when the “mystery cocktail” comes into play, well… you have to wait a while. After all the buildup, the film becomes a sort of acid-trip-esque experience. Rather than feeling integral, it comes across as another way to round out the 96-minute runtime. What’s the point? There isn’t one. It’s just an example of the lack of identity that “Couples Weekend” has. After it all, though, the film returns to reality, delivering a heartfelt conclusion (or attempting to, at least). Writer-director Nora Kirkpatrick goes back to the basics over the final 20 minutes, which proves effective. While it’s somewhat of a cliché “happy ending,” the conclusion does emphasize the importance of self-love and establishing your own identity. Even though it feels jarring in the film, the transition back to grounded storytelling is much like life itself.
Alexandra Daddario (Debs), Josh Gad (Mitch), Ashley Park (Melanie) and Daveed Diggs (Josh) star. Daddario and Gad are the drawing cards for “Couples Weekend,” but their performances match the film itself — uneven. Balancing comedic, heartfelt and rageful moments, Daddario isn’t able to transform into a cohesive character. More often than not, it feels like she’s overreaching to hit a note that isn’t necessary. Gad, on the other hand, plays more of a one-note role. As with most of his other work, he’s here for the bit. And that bit is him playing a desperate, over-the-top individual who doesn’t take many things seriously. While he delivers laughs, he’s also out of touch with the rest of the cast in what should be key emotional moments. Park and Diggs prove to be the most down-to-Earth of the central cast. They provide much-needed realism compared to Daddario and Gad’s antics.
“Couples Weekend” has the perfect setup for a successful dramedy. The film doesn’t know how to expand upon the synopsis, however, resulting in a messy and empty viewing experience.
Rating: 2 out of 5
