Adria Arjona stars as Ashley in the acclaimed comedy film Splitsville, directed by Michael Angelo Covino. The film, which gained significant traction through 2025 and into 2026, explores the complexities of modern marriage and the "good divorce" through the lens of two couples navigating unconventional relationship boundaries and unexpected romantic revelations.
As of 2026, Adria Arjona has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading women. While many fans first recognized her for her high-stakes roles in Andor and Morbius, her performance in Splitsville represents a sophisticated pivot into the world of high-concept indie comedy. Working alongside a powerhouse cast including Dakota Johnson, Michael Angelo Covino, and Kyle Marvin, Arjona delivers a performance that balances the sharp wit of a modern professional with the vulnerability of a woman re-evaluating her life choices.
The Premise and Narrative Arc of Splitsville
The narrative of Splitsville centers on the character of Carey (played by Michael Angelo Covino), who is blindsided when his wife, Ashley (Adria Arjona), asks for a divorce. Unlike traditional divorce dramas that lean into vitriol and legal battles, Splitsville approaches the separation with a mix of awkwardness and modern "conscious uncoupling" sensibilities.
To process the end of their marriage, Carey and Ashley look toward their best friends, Toby (Kyle Marvin) and Franny (Dakota Johnson). Toby and Franny are widely considered the "perfect couple" within their social circle. However, the plot thickens when Carey discovers that his friends' marital bliss is sustained by a secret: they have an open relationship. This revelation sends Carey into a tailspin while Ashley begins to wonder if a different kind of arrangement could have saved their own union, or if the "perfect" marriage is simply a well-maintained facade.
The film meticulously deconstructs the societal pressures placed on long-term partnerships. Through Arjona's character, the audience views the internal struggle of wanting independence without necessarily wanting to lose the history shared with a partner. The "splitsville" of the title refers not just to the town or the state of being divorced, but to the fractured reality the characters inhabit as they try to redefine what commitment looks like in the mid-2020s.
Adria Arjona’s Role as Ashley
In Splitsville, Adria Arjona plays Ashley, a woman who is decisive yet deeply conflicted. Unlike some of her previous roles that relied on physical prowess or genre-specific archetypes, Ashley requires a grounded, conversational performance. Arjona portrays the character’s evolution from a wife seeking an exit to a woman exploring the boundaries of her own autonomy.
Critics have noted that Arjona’s chemistry with Covino is the emotional anchor of the film. Their interactions feel lived-in, capturing the specific shorthand and micro-aggressions that develop over years of cohabitation. Arjona’s ability to handle the "mumblecore-adjacent" dialogue—a hallmark of Covino and Marvin’s previous work—demonstrates her range as an actor capable of finding humor in discomfort.
Why This Role Matters for Arjona in 2026
By 2026, the trajectory of Adria Arjona’s career has shifted toward projects that prioritize auteur-driven storytelling. Following her breakout success in Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, Arjona has leaned into roles that allow for more improvisational freedom and character depth. Splitsville fits perfectly into this era of her filmography. It allows her to step away from the massive production machines of the Star Wars or Marvel universes and engage in a more intimate, performance-driven environment.
The Creative Team Behind the Film
The DNA of Splitsville is rooted in the creative partnership between Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin. The duo previously garnered international acclaim for The Climb (2019), a film that utilized long takes and dark humor to explore a toxic but enduring male friendship.
In Splitsville, Covino directs from a script he co-wrote with Marvin. Their signature style—uncomfortable social situations, long-form conversational scenes, and a blend of physical and verbal comedy—is on full display. The addition of Dakota Johnson and her production company, TeaTime Pictures, added a layer of prestige and creative oversight that helped the film secure distribution through Neon, a studio known for championing high-quality independent cinema like Parasite and Anatomy of a Fall.
Production and Technical Details
The production of Splitsville was handled by Topic Studios and TeaTime Pictures. Filming took place in various locations that emphasize the suburban yet claustrophobic nature of the characters' lives. The technical execution of the film, particularly the cinematography, focuses on keeping the actors within the same frame to emphasize the shared space and the tension between them.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Michael Angelo Covino |
| Writers | Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin |
| Lead Cast | Adria Arjona, Dakota Johnson, Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin |
| Production Companies | TeaTime Pictures, Topic Studios |
| U.S. Distributor | Neon |
| Genre | Comedy / Relationship Drama |
| Key Themes | Open Marriage, Divorce, Modern Friendship, Autonomy |
Deep Dive into the Cast Dynamics
The success of a film like Splitsville relies entirely on the quartet of lead actors. Each performer represents a different philosophical approach to love and longevity.
- Adria Arjona (Ashley): Represents the catalyst for change. Her character is the one who dares to speak the truth about their failing marriage, setting the entire plot in motion.
- Michael Angelo Covino (Carey): Plays the "everyman" who is forced to confront the reality that the life he built was based on assumptions rather than communication.
- Dakota Johnson (Franny): Brings a cool, detached energy to the film. As the matriarch of the "perfect" open marriage, she serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for Arjona’s character.
- Kyle Marvin (Toby): Provides much of the film’s levity. His character’s relaxed attitude toward non-monogamy contrasts sharply with Carey’s traditionalist anxiety.
The interplay between these four characters drives the film's second act, particularly during a weekend getaway that serves as the movie’s centerpiece. The tension between Arjona and Johnson is especially noteworthy, as they represent two different versions of "empowered" modern women navigating the constraints of long-term commitment.
Analysis of Themes: The "Good Divorce" vs. The "Open Marriage"
Splitsville enters a cultural conversation that has become increasingly prevalent by 2026: the deconstruction of the nuclear family and the rise of alternative relationship structures. The film asks whether it is better to have a "good divorce"—one where both parties remain friends and support each other's growth—or a "complicated marriage" where the rules are rewritten to allow for external desires.
Arjona’s character, Ashley, becomes the vessel through which the audience explores these questions. She isn't looking for a new husband; she is looking for herself. The film avoids the easy tropes of infidelity or betrayal. Instead, it focuses on the slow erosion of intimacy and the terrifying prospect of starting over in your 30s or 40s.
The "Splitsville" of the title is a double entendre. It is a literal place of separation, but it is also a mental state where the characters must decide which parts of their lives they are willing to split and which parts they must keep whole. The film’s refusal to provide easy answers is what has made it a favorite on the 2025-2026 film festival circuit and a significant talking point for audiences.
Comparison with Similar Works
To understand the tone of Splitsville, it is helpful to compare it to other contemporary works that deal with marriage and friendship. It shares the DNA of films like The Kids Are All Right or Marriage Story, but with the irreverent, slightly absurd humor found in The Climb.
While Marriage Story was a visceral look at the legal and emotional brutality of divorce, Splitsville is more interested in the social awkwardness of it. It looks at how a breakup affects a friend group and how "transparency" in a relationship can sometimes lead to more confusion rather than less. Arjona’s performance is more comedic than Scarlett Johansson's in Marriage Story, but it retains a similar level of emotional stakes.
Access and Distribution: How to Watch Splitsville
Following its acquisition by Neon, Splitsville saw a targeted theatrical release followed by a robust presence on premium streaming platforms. For viewers in 2026, the film is a staple of the "Independent Gems" sections on major streamers.
- Theatrical Release: Primarily through independent and "art-house" theaters in major metropolitan areas.
- Digital Platforms: Available for purchase and rental on all major VOD services.
- Streaming Status: Neon titles typically migrate to platforms like Hulu or Max (depending on current licensing agreements in 2026), making the film accessible to a wide audience.
For those looking for Adria Arjona’s best work, Splitsville is often cited alongside Hit Man (2024) and the later seasons of Andor as essential viewing. It showcases her ability to carry a film that relies on nuance rather than spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "Splitsville" based on a true story?
While the film is not a direct adaptation of a specific true story, writers Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin have stated in interviews that the script was heavily influenced by their own observations of friends navigating divorces and unconventional relationships in their 30s. The dialogue is designed to mimic the authentic, often messy way people speak when they are under emotional duress.
What is Adria Arjona’s character like in the movie?
Adria Arjona plays Ashley, a woman who initiates a divorce from her husband Carey. She is portrayed as intelligent, weary of the status quo, and deeply curious about the alternative lifestyle choices made by her friends. Arjona brings a sense of "grounded chaos" to the role, making Ashley relatable even when her choices are difficult for those around her.
Is Dakota Johnson the main star of Splitsville?
Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona are essentially co-leads. While the story begins with Arjona’s character asking for a divorce, Johnson’s character, Franny, becomes the catalyst for much of the film’s second-half exploration of open relationships. Johnson also served as a producer on the film through her company, TeaTime Pictures.
Where was Splitsville filmed?
The film was shot primarily in various locations around the United States that reflect a quintessential suburban setting. This choice of location was intentional, as it highlights the contrast between the traditional, "safe" environment of the characters and the radical, boundary-pushing conversations they are having about their private lives.
Is Splitsville a pure comedy or a drama?
The film is best described as a "dramedy" or a sophisticated relationship comedy. While there are many laugh-out-loud moments—mostly stemming from Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin’s awkward chemistry—the film deals with serious themes of loneliness, the fear of aging, and the pain of ending a long-term partnership.
Final Practical Recommendation
If you are a fan of Adria Arjona’s recent work or enjoy character-driven comedies that challenge traditional views on relationships, Splitsville is a must-watch. To fully appreciate the film, it is recommended to watch Michael Angelo Covino’s previous film, The Climb, as it establishes the rhythmic and visual style he continues to refine in this project. For viewers navigating their own relationship transitions, Splitsville offers a refreshing, if sometimes uncomfortably honest, perspective on what it means to move on without losing your sense of humor.
