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Dakota Johnson stars in Splitsville, navigating open relationships alongside other intriguing roles.
Dakota Johnson, once known for her role in the controversial Fifty Shades of Grey series, is charting a new course through Hollywood with her latest project, Splitsville. Directed by Michael Angelo Covino, known for The Climb, the film presents a nuanced exploration of open relationships. Dakota Johnson’s role as Julie explores the complexities of modern love with co-stars Adria Arjona and Michael Covino in a story that promises to redefine romantic norms.
Splitsville echoes Michael Angelo Covino’s previous work, The Climb, where personal relationships are tested by love and friendship. The film, co-written by Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin, who also stars, builds on their dynamic portrayal of strained friendships in their earlier collaboration. Set against the backdrop of a marriage coming undone, the plot thickens when Carey, played by Marvin, seeks advice from Dakota Johnson’s character, only to uncover the unexpected success behind her open marriage. This narrative twist promises to challenge traditional portrayals of relationships in cinema.
Aside from her lead role in Splitsville, Dakota Johnson has been busy with other notable projects. She appears in Materialists, directed by Celine Song, where she finds herself entangled in a love triangle with a wealthy suitor and a struggling actor, played by Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, respectively. The film’s setting in New York provides a perfect canvas for this drama, exploring the intersections of love, ambition and survival in the city. Dakota Johnson also stars in Am I Ok?, a romantic comedy released on the new streaming platform Max by Warner Bros. Discovery. Premiered at Sundance two years ago, the film delves into the evolving friendship between two women as they confront life’s unexpected changes.
Moreover, Dakota Johnson’s previous performances, including her role in A Bigger Splash directed by Luca Guadagnino, and the recent Cha Cha Real Smooth on Apple TV+, have solidified her ability to navigate diverse roles that span genres and emotional spectrums. Her portrayal in Persuasion, another Jane Austen adaptation, though met with mixed reviews, showcased her capability to handle period dramas with emotional depth.
As Splitsville gears up for its release in 2025 and begins international sales at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, Dakota Johnson continues to shape her career with challenging roles that push the boundaries of traditional film narratives. With Neon, the film’s distributor, backing projects that have clinched multiple awards at Cannes, including this year’s Palme d’Or winner Anora by Sean Baker, Dakota Johnson is set to make a significant impact with her upcoming films.
Dakota Johnson’s journey from the scandal-ridden alleys of Fifty Shades to the more respected echelons of Hollywood is marked by her choice of roles that both challenge societal norms and showcase her versatility as an actress. Her upcoming films are vehicles for her artistic expression as they also stir meaningful conversations about love, relationships and personal growth.
