Greyson Horst’s relationship dramedy Throuple is looking to play, but finds it difficult to balance the needs of all its players in its 90-minute running time. Brimming with directorial flare, terrific sound, and cinematography, the result is charmingly frustrating in its exploration of the emotional complexity of three-way love.
Michael (Michael Doshier, who also wrote the screenplay) is struggling. Struggling in his career as a singer-songwriter, and struggling to romantically connect with anyone. He relies on his best friend Tristan (Tristan Carter-Jones) and her girlfriend Abby (Jess Gabor) for emotional support. When Michael meets attractive newlyweds Georgie (Stanton Plummer-Cambridge) and Connor (Tommy Heleringer) one night at a gig, he finds himself exploring a threesome that develops into something more involved and complicated.
As you may have guessed from some of the character names, this is a semi-autobiographical narrative by Doshier, set in Brooklyn’s indie music scene and much of the movie takes place in clubs and at gigs, featuring live performances from the likes of Dakota Jones and Darlin! The Band.
Despite the film’s title, Michael, Georgie, and Connor are not actually together as a throuple for the majority of the film. Georgie and Connor find their new marriage to be straining under the weight of their different sexual desires and Michael finds himself attracted to one more than the other. There is also a second dysfunctional throuple in the mix: Michael’s relationship with Tristan and Abby. In each configuration, everyone’s inability to communicate honestly with each other—or even with themselves—is the root of the film’s drama.
While the screenplay immerses us in Michael’s point of view, we’re left slightly adrift when it comes to Georgie and Connor, with their motivations less clear, making for an uncertain ending that doesn’t quite hit the romantic high that it is reaching for. This is balanced by strong acting performances all round, with especially effective work from Heleringer, who speaks volumes with a only look. Doshier’s engaging performance as Michael straddles awkward and adorable, and the frustration that he generates among the other characters is palpable as his indecision has ripple effects on those around him. One highlight is watching Gabor’s Abby finally lose her patience and reading Michael for his selfish behaviour.
Horst, along with his editor Boris Oswel, has made an eye-catching film, with great use of split-screen and still photography that propels the narrative while continually evoking a “live music” aesthetic in the moments of joy. While Martin Blanco’s gorgeous cinematography captures the intimacy of Brooklyn’s nighttime streets and youthful romance.
By Chad Armstrong
Throuple received its Australian Premiere at the 34th annual Melbourne Queer Film Festival. MQFF34 runs November 14th – 24th, 2024. For the full lineup and to purchase tickets head to mqff.com.au.
