Ex-Husbands (2023), originally titled Men of Divorce, is a dramedy that shines a light on the often messy and humorous moments of family life, particularly when it comes to relationships, crises, and midlife epiphanies. Directed and written by Noah Pritzker, the film delivers a charming mix of comedy and heartfelt moments, all set against the backdrop of Tulum’s picturesque beaches.
Plot Overview
The story centers around Peter Pearce (played by Griffin Dunne), a divorced man who decides to crash his son Nick’s bachelor party in Tulum. Sounds like the perfect bonding moment, right? Well, not quite. Instead of being the cool dad, Peter realizes that he’s not the only one with problems—the Pearce family men seem to be going through crises of their own.
It’s like a therapy session, but with more tequila and fewer breakthroughs.
Throughout the film, we watch as Peter navigates his complicated relationships, from his strained bond with his son to his awkward run-ins with other family members and friends. As Peter comes face to face with his shortcomings and insecurities, Ex-Husbands serves up a healthy dose of relatable humor.
Characters and Performances
Griffin Dunne brings a vulnerable charm to Peter Pearce, capturing the essence of a man trying to figure out his place in a family that seems to be falling apart. His portrayal of Peter is both funny and poignant, with a healthy balance of self-deprecating humor and heartfelt moments.
Rosanna Arquette and Richard Benjamin round out the cast, adding their layers of humor and warmth. The ensemble cast does a great job of making you feel like you’re watching a real family, with all the quirks, love, and occasional dysfunction that come with it.
A Bachelor Party Gone… Well, Not as Planned
If you’re expecting a wild, Hangover-style bachelor party, Ex-Husbands takes a more understated, yet equally funny approach. Peter’s presence at his son’s party brings about some hilariously awkward moments, from trying to fit in with the younger crowd to realizing that everyone’s going through their own version of a midlife crisis—whether they’re ready to admit it or not.
It’s a reminder that life doesn’t stop getting complicated just because you’re no longer married. It might get more complicated. Peter probably didn’t imagine that his life would involve crashing bachelor parties as a divorced dad, but hey, life’s funny that way.
Themes of Crisis and Connection
At its core, Ex-Husbands is about more than just a father crashing his son’s party. It’s a story of connection or lack thereof, and the crises that often come with it. The film humorously explores what happens when men, especially those in Peter’s generation, are forced to confront their own emotions—something they may not be so great at.
As Peter attempts to connect with his son and reconcile his failures, the film offers a heartwarming message: it’s never too late to change, and sometimes, we all need a little push (or a trip to Tulum) to get there.
Final Thoughts
Ex-Husbands is a lighthearted, yet touching film about family, personal growth, and the messy journey of midlife. Noah Pritzker does an excellent job of blending humor with deeper themes of connection and crisis, while the cast brings relatable, sometimes laugh-out-loud performances to life.
So, if you’re in the mood for a film that makes you laugh at life’s awkward moments, with a touch of heartfelt emotion, Ex-Husbands might just be the movie for you. Because let’s face it—sometimes, even when you think you’ve got it all figured out, life likes to remind you that no one does.