by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who doesn’t love a good love story? The best love stories shine a light on underappreciated connections between people. Audiences are shown so many love stories between incredibly attractive young people that it is hard to fathom other types of relationships on screen. That is what is so refreshing about They/Them/Us. There are plenty of fresh perspectives that writer-director Jon Sherman injects into this romance that make it a unique and enjoyable ride. First off, this is a middle-aged love story between two 40-somethings who have both been divorced. Throw in the fact that their connection is filled with kinks and BDSM to make for even more intriguing experiences. Let’s not forget that they each have two teenaged children, and the love story extends to their dynamics as well.
How does Sherman handle the moving pieces that make up his love story? In general, the film sports a fun and vibrant tone that is celebratory and accepting of the elements. For the most part, it is just plain fun. You can tell that Sherman is having fun presenting this budding love affair between Charlie (Joey Slotnick) and Lisa (Amy Hargreaves) (our loving pair on screen). The audience has fun along the way, too. You feel the connection blossoming between them as Charlie becomes more open and comfortable in his own skin and Lisa lets someone new into her life. The film does take a turn towards the third act, as it gets much more serious when focusing on the drug use of one of Charlie’s kids. It feels like Sherman loses control of a bit of the tone before sticking the landing well with the final moments.
Besides the tone, how does Sherman handle the themes? Not only is this an enjoyable film but there are some meaningful messages to process, the most important and freshest of which being the sex- and kink-positivity in the film. There are not many films that dive so deeply into BDSM and kinks in relationships and do it in a respectful and non-judgmental way. There is no uncomfortable taboo forced upon their feelings or what makes them happy. This is a special film that takes on such topics and helps normalize them. It also takes on mixed families in a meaningful and endearing way. They have their struggles, but the audience is treated to seeing two families growing together meaningfully.
Does the story match the fun tone and themes? Sherman plays around with some fun mysteries and builds anticipation when things come to a head. Another refreshing piece is how it subverts common romance tropes. The film cares more about the growing connection between these two people than cranking up extra melodrama. That is not to say they don’t have roadblocks, but you are so connected to Charlie and Lisa that you get lost in their story. There are some good and bad subplots along the way, including the awkwardness between Charlie’s real perspectives and his film professor position at a Christian school. There are fun scenes with him engaging with his students and deeply resonant ones as he confesses his perspective on faith (an endearing and resonant one). What don’t work as well are the drug aspects with Charlie’s son, which come off as overblown and judgmental (which is odd with the open-mindedness of the rest of the film). Then there is Charlie’s ex-wife, who is a terribly written cliché who brings down the film whenever she is on-screen.
But what about the cast who brings these characters to life? The real focus is Slotnick and Hargreaves. Slotnick plays into the awkward and uptight demeanor that Charlie starts with. Over the course of the film, he begins to flesh out his character with added dimensions of his own kinks and confidence. It is a delight to see Charlie enjoy his newfound outlets as well as channeling his open-minded perspectives on faith and love. Hargreaves is just a live wire of charm and energy. She is seductive and charming while being loving and endearing. The delight of seeing Charlie and Lisa engage on screen together is one of the biggest highlights of the movie. They have great chemistry that just pops. They make it easy to invest in their love story.
Are you ready for a wonderful little gem of a love story? This is not a big film with big stars. This is not a traditional love story that we are used to on screen. They/Them/Us is not without its flaws, but this enjoyable romp is worth your time.
Grade: B-
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