I Do...Until I Don't

I Do…Until I Don’t is a 2017 American comedy film that explores the norms and expectations of lifelong monogamy and questions the concept of “till death do us part”. With an ensemble cast consisting of Lake Bell, Ed Helms, and Mary Steenburgen, and written and directed by Bell herself, the film observes three couples at different points on the matrimonial spectrum while subtly offering a critique on the perceived structure of marriage.

The story is set in Vero Beach, Florida, a town known for having one of the highest divorce rates in the United States. This uniquely fitting setting serves as the backdrop to the film’s exploration of modern love, marriage, commitment, and the pressures that go hand in hand with them.

Lake Bell portrays Alice, a quirky, down-to-earth boutique owner who is constantly caught up in the odds and ends of her relationship with her lovable but underachieving husband Noah (played by Ed Helms). Noah is a dedicated but struggling blinds salesman, whose lackluster career is the source of much stress in their already strained marriage.

In parallel, we witness Cybil and Harvey, played by Mary Steenburgen and Paul Reiser, an older couple whose relationship is worn and jaded after years of marriage. Their lengthy companionship has descended into an endless cycle of bickering and familiarity that leaves them questioning their loyalties and commitments.

The youngest couple is Fanny (Amber Heard) and Zander (Wyatt Cenac), freethinking, supposedly enlightened individuals, who defy the socio-cultural constraints of a traditional marriage. Their approach to their relationship is casual, open, and flexible, which seems to provide a stark contrast to the other two couples.

A fascinating element of the story is Vivian Prudeck, portrayed brilliantly by Dolly Wells, a bitter and cynical British filmmaker who firmly stands against the institution of marriage. Driven by her own failed marital experience, she aims to expose the realities of marriage’s oppressive nature, leading her to Vero Beach for a documentary project titled “The Eternal Flame of Marriage: Exploration of a Failing Institution". Prudeck enlists our three couples as subjects for her documentary, looking to utilize their differing marital issues to prove her hypothesis that marriage should be a seven-year contract with an option to renew.

The journey of the characters unfolds in an almost voyeuristic fashion as we witness the intimate dynamics within each couple’s relationship while being privy to the raw process of documentary filmmaking. This interesting narrative technique employs humor, irony, and satirical elements to encapsulate the nuances of marriage from its romantic beginnings to its more complex routines

Throughout the film, a variety of themes are expertly woven in, such as love, commitment, and companionship, along with the contrasting views of the conservative notion of lifelong monogamy versus more liberal considerations. While being hilariously cynical and sharply critical, the film offers a poignant exploration of the modern conditions of love and partnerships.

I Do…Until I Don’t is occasionally absurd, consistently comedic, and heartwarmingly authentic in its portrayal of marriage, questioning societal norms while challenging the audience's preconceptions. It provides an engaging exploration of matrimony and the intertwined lives of married individuals, as they navigate their passions, dreams, and the reality of lifelong commitment. As a director, Bell delivers a film with hilarious moments coupled with tender emotional undertones that offer an undeniable charm.

The performances of the cast are commendable, with each actor embedding a unique quirks into their characters, making them both relatable and engaging. Furthermore, the captivating chemistry among the actors, especially within their respective pairings, plays out seamlessly to provide compelling narratives.

In essence, I Do…Until I Don’t is a delightful, lighthearted, yet profound reflection on marriage and relationships wrapped in a comedic package. It acknowledges how messy, complex, but ultimately rewarding love and commitment can be, offering a nuanced perspective that both entertains and prompts self-reflection.

With Lake Bell’s unmistakable storytelling and compelling performances from the cast, I Do…Until I Don’t is a film that is likely to resonate with audiences who appreciate a good laugh and a thought-provoking commentary on love and marriage. The film examines the trials and triumphs endemic to matrimony with equal parts cynicism and sentimentality, making it a movie that is certainly worth watching.