‘The Threesome’ Brings Bisexual Rom-Com Mayhem to Theaters This September

This September, moviegoers seeking authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling can look forward to the U.S. theatrical release of "The Threesome," a romantic comedy-drama directed by Chad Hartigan and written by Ethan Ogilby. The film, which made its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival on March 7, has already generated significant buzz among critics and LGBTQ+ audiences alike for its grounded, modern approach to love and sexual identity .

At the heart of "The Threesome" is the story of Connor (Jonah Hauer-King), a gentle and unassuming young man whose long-standing crush on Olivia (Zoey Deutch) takes a surprising turn when Olivia invites a charismatic stranger, Jenny (Ruby Cruz), into their lives for a spontaneous threesome. What begins as an impulsive night quickly unravels into a complex web of emotional entanglements. As Connor and Olivia’s romance deepens, Jenny’s unexpected return throws all three into a journey that tests their boundaries, forces them to confront their desires, and ultimately challenges them to take responsibility for their actions and choices as adults .

Critics and LGBTQ+ media outlets have praised the film’s candid exploration of bisexuality and non-traditional relationships, with Out.com highlighting its “bisexual chaos” and the way it subverts genre tropes by giving equal weight to all characters’ perspectives and emotional journeys . This approach stands out in a cinematic landscape where bisexual and pansexual identities are often underrepresented or stereotyped.

The film stars Zoey Deutch (Olivia), Jonah Hauer-King (Connor), and Ruby Cruz (Jenny), supported by Jaboukie Young-White, Josh Segarra, Arden Myrin, and others. Director Chad Hartigan, known for his sensitive approach to character-driven stories, teams up with screenwriter Ethan Ogilby in his feature film debut—Ogilby previously wrote for the iconic series "The Simpsons" .

Principal photography was conducted in Arkansas in early 2024, with the production companies Star Thrower Entertainment, Filmopoly, and Jupiter Peak bringing the project to fruition. The film's much-discussed trailer showcases a mix of sharp humor, emotional vulnerability, and vibrant performances, with critics noting the chemistry between the leads and the authenticity of their interactions .

Representation is central to "The Threesome," not only through its depiction of bisexuality and queer relationships, but also in its casting and creative choices. The film avoids reducing its characters to stereotypes, instead allowing each member of the titular trio to be messy, funny, flawed, and fully human.

Following its SXSW premiere, "The Threesome" received positive reviews for its balance of comedy and drama, as well as its refusal to shy away from the emotional complexity of consensual non-monogamy and evolving romantic dynamics. WeLiveEntertainment described it as “funny yet grounded,” noting its potential to resonate with anyone who has navigated the intricacies of attraction and identity in the modern world .

The film’s release comes at a time of increased visibility for bisexual and pansexual individuals, and its nuanced portrayal is expected to spark conversations about fluidity, consent, and accountability within relationships. LGBTQ+ advocates have long called for more stories that reflect the diversity of queer experiences, and "The Threesome" is positioned to meet that demand with honesty and humor.

Distributed by Vertical, "The Threesome" will open in theaters nationwide on September 5, 2025 . Its arrival marks an important cultural moment, offering a rare mainstream spotlight for bisexual visibility and the realities of queer love stories. As anticipation builds, audiences and advocates alike hope the film will pave the way for even more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood and beyond.