Sleeping with Other People (2015)

Sleeping with Other People feels like a rom-com that’s actually been out in the world: sharp, candid, and unafraid to admit that desire and self-sabotage can live in the same room. Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis have the kind of lived-in chemistry that makes every joke land harder and every quiet moment feel earned, while Leslye Headland’s script keeps the dialogue witty without turning the characters into cartoons. The vibe is breezy and funny but grounded in a surprisingly honest look at how people rationalize their messes—and how hard it is to grow up emotionally. If you prefer your romance squeaky-clean or your comedy broad, it may not be your flavor, but if you want something smarter and fresher than the usual formula, this one’s a treat.

Sleeping with Other People wants to be a smart, sex-positive rom-com about two messy adults trying to outgrow their worst habits, and it definitely has the chemistry and comedic timing to sell that premise. The problem is it often retreats into familiar genre grooves, so what could’ve been sharp and subversive can feel conventional, predictable, and a bit too pleased with its own “edginess.” If you need your romantic comedies to make the characters genuinely admirable—or you’re allergic to cliché misunderstandings and well-worn beats—this might test your patience. Still, if you’re mainly here for charming leads, fast banter, and a breezy, slightly raunchy vibe, it’s an easy enough watch even when it plays it safe.