Spread (2009)

Spread is a slick, sun-bleached L.A. romance that sneaks up on you: what starts as a sexy, funny ride through privilege and opportunism gradually sharpens into a surprisingly pointed little morality tale. David Mackenzie directs with a cool, satirical eye, letting the city’s parties and polished surfaces feel seductive while quietly revealing how hollow they can be, and the film’s darker edges give its comedy a bite. Ashton Kutcher leans into charm with just enough self-awareness to make the character watchable, while Anne Heche and Margarita Levieva bring the kind of steel and vulnerability that keeps the story from turning into mere fantasy. It’s not for the prudish—there’s a lot of explicit sex, nudity, and profanity—but if you’re in the mood for an adult rom-com with style, cynicism, and an honest streak about the cost of getting by on looks, it’s an entertaining, oddly sobering watch.

Spread wants to be a slick, sun-soaked L.A. morality tale about a charming user finally getting a taste of real feelings, with Ashton Kutcher leaning into the pretty-boy hustle. The problem is it often confuses “sexy and cynical” with “thin and repetitive,” so the romance and supposed growth can feel more like plot requirements than earned emotion. If you’re hoping for sharp satire, real insight into hedonism, or a genuinely sweeping love story, this may come off as glossy, predictable, and oddly hollow. Still, if you’re in the mood for a breezy, adult-skewing watch with attractive leads, messy relationship dynamics, and don’t mind that it’s more vibe than substance, it can pass the time.