Retro Film Review: Threesome (1994)

Tastes and morals may change, but one thing remains the same throughout history - among all works of art the most controversial ones are those that explore how far a human being can go before he/she reaches happiness. Since that happiness often corresponds with active love life, controversy often comes from the depiction of sexuality - either unconventional display of sexuality or display of unconventional forms of sexuality. Interestingly enough, Threesome, 1994 romantic drama by Andrew Fleming, hardly caused any controversy despite satisfying both of aforementioned criteria.

The plot takes place on unnamed American college where shy, bookwormish student Eddy (played by Josh Charles) shares two thirds of dormitory suite with Stuart (played by Stephen Baldwin), typical jock. Two of them, despite differences in character and views on world, become best friend, but their relationship becomes complicated when, due to bureaucratic mistake, remaining third of their suite gets occupied by a female student, Alex (played by Lara Flynn Boyle). Soon it becomes apparent that Alex rejects all Stuart's advances in favour of Eddy, who, to his utmost horror, starts realising that he is being attracted to Stuart. However, despite triple case of unrequited love, all three become great friends and enjoy time with each other. But the unresolved sexual tension is still present and threatens their unusual relationship.

Threesome didn't cause much of a controversy because it was made during the zenith of "political correctness" when homosexual desires as integral part of love triangle didn't look as shocking as in previous eras. Furthermore, this film at first glance didn't look very different from the standard romantic comedies from Hollywood and for many the unusual love triangle was nothing more than "high concept" for formulaic and predictable Hollywood product. However, writer-director Fleming approached this farcical situation with a great deal of seriousness. There are some truly funny moments in this film, but Threesome is melodrama in its nature, obviously inspired by Truffaut's classic Jules et Jim (which is explicitly referenced in this film), and Fleming is not afraid to counter mostly benign humour with some darker overtones in the plot. The actors who appeared in this film seemed perfect for the part - Josh Charles is very good in his role, while Stephen Baldwin plays very convincing jock. Lara Flynn Boyle is also very good as the only female in this triangle and plays her role with a lot of natural ease, which wasn't such easy thing do considering that she had to appear not only naked in front of camera, but also to play love scene that features certain sexual activity that used to belong only in the domain of X-rated movies. The ending of this film, however, seems somewhat forced and diminishes generally good impression of this film. However, even when the novelty of its basic premise wears off, Threesome is still going to be interesting and entertaining movie experience.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on October 1st 2001)

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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10635-threesome?language=en-US
Critic: AA