Sleeping with Other People

Sleeping with Other People is a romantic comedy film released in 2015. The movie revolves around Jake (Jason Sudeikis) and Lainey (Alison Brie), two college students who lost their virginity to each other but didn't end up together. The film then jumps forward to present-day, where both Jake and Lainey are in their thirties and struggling with love and relationships.

Jake is a serial womanizer who avoids commitment and has never been in a serious relationship. Lainey, on the other hand, has a problem with infidelity, having cheated on her long-term boyfriend multiple times with the same guy.

The two meet again by chance at a sex addicts anonymous meeting, where they strike up a friendship. They quickly discover they have a lot in common, including their issues with intimacy and commitment. Both of them have also recently become involved in tumultuous relationships, with Jake hooking up with his boss (Amanda Peet) and Lainey caught in a love triangle between her recently-moved on college love and long-term partner who is getting engaged to someone else.

Jake, the self-proclaimed “asshole,” sets out to help Lainey deal with her commitment issues. They bond over their shared love of movies, especially the classic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, which they quote throughout the movie. The two make a pact to remain friends and abstain from sex with each other. However, as they spend more time together and gradually become closer, they struggle to keep their feelings at bay.

The film’s characterization of Jake and Lainey is surprisingly nuanced, lending an emotional depth to their relationship that is rare for romantic comedies. Sudeikis and Brie have excellent chemistry, and the supporting cast, which includes Natasha Lyonne and Adam Scott, also deliver standout performances.

The movie’s antics are kept fairly light, with a focus on witty banter and situational comedy. However, some scenes address heavier themes like addiction and the consequences of infidelity, but never in a way that feels overly preachy or contrived.

Overall, Sleeping with Other People is a delightful rom-com that is equal parts sweet and saucy. It doesn’t break new ground in the genre, but it's a smartly written and well-executed movie that offers a fresh take on the typical tropes of the genre.