Ex-Husbands (2023) by Noah Pritzker

“Ex-Husbands” is an intergenerational drama and black comedy that delves into the lives of the Pearce family men as they navigate the complexities of failed relationships and their connections with each other. The film begins with patriarch Simon announcing his decision to divorce his wife of 65 years. This event sets the stage for his son Peter, who is also facing his own divorce after 35 years of marriage. Seeking an escape, Peter travels to Tulum, Mexico, unaware that his son Nick’s bachelor party, hosted by his other son Mickey, is taking place there. The trip forces Peter to confront his own existential crisis while also observing his sons’ lives and their relationships.

The film opens with an elderly Simon Pearce informing his son Peter that he intends to divorce his wife of 65 years to enjoy his remaining years. Several years later, Peter, a dentist in Manhattan, is facing his own marital breakdown after 35 years. In an attempt to escape his troubles and his father’s declining health (due to dementia), Peter impulsively books a trip to Tulum, Mexico. Unbeknownst to him, his son Nick is also heading to Tulum for his bachelor party, organized by his other son, Mickey. The unexpected encounter in Tulum leads to an intergenerational exploration of heartbreak, divorce, and the challenges of male relationships as Peter grapples with his newfound single status and observes his sons’ experiences.

According to director Noah Pritzker in an interview, “Ex-Husbands” could be perceived as a “late coming-of-age” story for the 67-year-old protagonist. The initial idea for the film stemmed from wanting to analyze the relationship between brothers and their attempt to understand their father. Pritzker aimed to create a nuanced and mature look at adult relationships, approaching each character with empathy.

• Intergenerational Relationships: The film explores the dynamics between three generations of men within the Pearce family, highlighting their shared experiences and differing perspectives on love, marriage, and divorce.

• Midlife Crisis and Existentialism: Peter’s journey in the film is centered around his midlife crisis following his divorce, as he tries to redefine his identity and purpose in life.

• Heartbreak and Divorce: The movie examines the emotional impact of marital breakdown across different stages of life, from the initial shock to the process of moving on.

• Male Vulnerability and Communication: Through the characters’ interactions, the film touches upon the challenges men face in expressing their emotions and dealing with vulnerability.

• Changing Tides of Life: The narrative underscores the theme of accepting change and finding new paths forward after significant life events.

• Griffin Dunne’s Performance: Reviews consistently praise Griffin Dunne’s portrayal of Peter, highlighting his charming and endearing performance that grounds the film.

• Nuanced Storytelling: The film offers a mature and empathetic look at adult relationships, avoiding broad comedic tropes for a more thoughtful exploration.

• Relatable Themes: The themes of divorce, family dynamics, and the search for meaning in later life resonate with a wide audience.

• Sincerity and Charm: Despite the potentially heavy subject matter, the film is noted for its sincerity and underlying charm.

After his wife of 35 years leaves him, Manhattan dentist Peter Pearce crashes his son’s bachelor party in Tulum, where he confronts his midlife crisis and observes the romantic entanglements of his two sons.

“Ex-Husbands” was nominated for the Golden Seashell for Best Film at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in 2023 and for the Audience Award at the Americana Film Fest in 2024.

The critical reception for “Ex-Husbands” has been somewhat mixed. On Metacritic, the film holds a score based on reviews from various publications. Collider praised the film’s sincerity and charm, highlighting Griffin Dunne’s performance and the script’s empathetic approach to its characters, calling it “surprisingly delightful.” Variety noted the nuanced storytelling and the complexities of the characters but pointed out that the premise takes time to develop and the pacing in the third act is inconsistent. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a consensus yet, but individual reviews suggest a similar mixed reaction, with some finding it a sincere exploration while others found it meandering. Overall, critics acknowledge the strength of the performances, particularly Dunne’s, but have varied opinions on the film’s pacing and overall impact.

• Collider: Described the film as a “surprising delight, astute and humorous about humans that both lived a long life and are just starting out their adventure.” It commended the tender spirit and the performances, especially Griffin Dunne’s.

• Variety: Recognized the film’s nuanced and mature look at adult relationships and the rich complexities of the characters, praising the endearing performances. However, it found the initial premise slow to develop and noted issues with the pacing in the final act.

• Reeling Reviews: Gave the film a C grade, suggesting it felt lost and didn’t quite live up to the films it might evoke.

As of recent data, “Ex-Husbands” has grossed $12,248 domestically and $161,280 internationally, for a total worldwide gross of $173,528. The domestic opening weekend saw it earn $10,187. Another source indicates a slightly higher worldwide gross of $347,799, with $186,519 from the US and Canada.

“Ex-Husbands” is an independent production filmed in locations including New York City and Tulum, Mexico, with principal photography taking place after the project was announced in July 2022.

Production Companies (name, country):

• Bold Choices Productions (USA)

• Pimienta Films (Mexico)

• Rathaus Films (Country not specified, likely USA or co-production)

Sales Companies (name, country, sentence):

Distribution Companies (name, country, sentence):

• Greenwich Entertainment (USA) acquired the North American distribution rights and released the film theatrically in the US and Canada in 2025.

• Avalon (Spain) distributed the film in Spain in 2024.

• September Films (Belgium) handled distribution in Belgium in 2025.

• Pimienta Films (Mexico) distributed the film in Mexico in 2025.

The film had its world premiere at the San Sebastián International Film Festival on September 24, 2023. It was theatrically released in the United States on February 21, 2025.

Why to recommend this movie:

• Strong Performances: Griffin Dunne delivers a compelling and nuanced performance that carries the emotional weight of the film, making his character relatable and engaging.

• Thoughtful Exploration of Relationships: The movie provides a mature and often humorous look at the complexities of marriage, divorce, and family bonds across generations, offering insights into the male perspective on these issues.

• Sincere and Empathetic Approach: Director Noah Pritzker handles the sensitive subject matter with sincerity and empathy, creating characters that feel real and whose struggles resonate with the audience.

• Intriguing Premise: The unconventional setup of a father crashing his son’s bachelor party while both are dealing with relationship issues creates an interesting dynamic and opportunities for both comedic and dramatic moments.

• Character-Driven Narrative: The film prioritizes character development and interactions, making it appealing to viewers who enjoy stories focused on human experiences and emotions rather than heavy plot-driven action.

• Independent Film with Heart: “Ex-Husbands” represents independent cinema with a focus on relatable human stories, offering a different perspective compared to mainstream blockbusters.

What Movie Trend film is following :

• Indie Dramedy Focused on Middle-Aged Protagonists: The film aligns with the trend of independent films that explore the lives and challenges of middle-aged individuals, often blending comedic elements with more serious dramatic themes. These films tend to focus on relatable issues like relationships, career transitions, and existential questions.

What Big Social Trend is following:

• Deconstructing Traditional Masculinity: The film touches upon the evolving understanding of masculinity by portraying male characters who are grappling with vulnerability, emotional expression, and changing family dynamics. It reflects a broader societal trend of moving away from stoic, traditional male stereotypes towards more open and complex portrayals of men.

“Ex-Husbands” offers a sincere and often charming exploration of intergenerational relationships and the challenges of divorce, anchored by a standout performance from Griffin Dunne. While the pacing might be uneven for some, the film provides a thoughtful and empathetic look at men navigating life’s transitions. It’s a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate character-driven indie dramedies that delve into the complexities of family and personal identity.

Recommendations for Film Makers :

• Prioritize Strong Character Development: The success of “Ex-Husbands” lies heavily in its well-developed characters and relatable flaws. Filmmakers should focus on creating nuanced characters with clear motivations and emotional depth.

• Embrace Sincerity and Empathy: Approaching sensitive topics with honesty and empathy can resonate deeply with audiences. Avoid relying on clichés and instead strive for authentic portrayals of human experiences.

• Consider Intergenerational Storytelling: Exploring the dynamics between different age groups can offer rich thematic material and diverse perspectives on universal themes.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Continue Supporting Independent Cinema: “Ex-Husbands” highlights the value of independent films in offering unique perspectives and stories that might not be found in mainstream productions. The industry should continue to support and fund such projects.

• Recognize the Audience for Character-Driven Dramedies: There is a significant audience for films that focus on character development and relatable human stories, particularly those that explore the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Distributors and exhibitors should recognize and cater to this audience.

• Promote Films with Strong Lead Performances: The critical acclaim for Griffin Dunne’s performance demonstrates the importance of casting and promoting films with compelling lead actors who can draw audiences.