Three's Complicated

Three's Complicated is a refreshing, romantic comedy released in 2019 featuring dynamic performances by Shanola Hampton, known for her role on the TV series Shameless, as well as the charismatic Tyler Lepley, popular for his role in The Haves and the Have Nots, and the young, talented Kyanna Simone from the TV series The Leftovers. The film, written and directed by Shari L. Carpenter, offers a creative take on love, relationships, and the complexities that accompany them.

The film unfolds around Deja (Shanola Hampton), a forty-two-year-old, self-assured yet slightly jaded divorcee, who finds herself caught in an unexpected love triangle. After a decade struggling with a failing marriage and the typical predicaments of middle-age life, Deja is eager to set her life on a new course. Her primary focus now is maintaining a thriving career as a successful author and raising her daughter, Erika (Kyanna Simone). Romance is the last thing on her to-do list - until life throws her an unexpected curveball.

During her daughter's weekend away, Deja has a chance encounter with a younger, vibrant man, Blake (Tyler Lepley), who stirs feelings Deja believed she had long abandoned. What begins as an innocent flirtation escalating into a passionate weekend affair sees Deja experiencing a newfound vigor and excitement for life. The energetic Blake enriches Deja's world, unearthing some of the dreams and desires she shelved amidst life's tumult. This situation turns precarious, however, when Deja discovers that her enchanting lover is not only several years younger but also intricately linked to her everyday life in a way she never expected.

When Erika returns home and introduces her new boyfriend, the unequivocally charming Blake, the scenarios turn humorously complicated. Deja, while wanting to be the ideal supportive mother, finds herself disoriented yet eager to keep her liaison with Blake a secret, making for an array of comical situations and misunderstandings.

Three's Complicated is aptly named, encapsulating the humorous and often challenging situations that arise in the triad relationship, filled with tantalizing secrets, quirky twists, and an insight into the unique dynamics of modern romance. The film's humorous exploration of age, love, mother-daughter relationships, and unexpected life surprises keeps the audience engaged with its mix of comedy, romance, and family drama. It's an intriguing blend of light-hearted comedy meshed with insightful observations regarding age gaps in relationships, social expectations, and the struggle of balancing personal desires with familial responsibilities.

Shanola Hampton shines in her role as Deja, who trembles on the edge of a moral predicament. Her vivacious yet nuanced performance adds depth to Deja's character. Her dilemma of navigating this sensitive situation is comically portrayed yet compassionately understood. Tyler Lepley adds charm and youthfulness, making his character, Blake, irresistible. His convincing portrayal of an open-hearted, somewhat naive young man adds more depth to the unconventional triangle. The performances by the rest of the cast are energetic and catchy, dedicatedly breathing life into the film's storyline.

Kyanna Simone does a commendable job as Erika, effortlessly capturing the essence of an unsuspecting daughter caught in the middle of an unforeseen love triangle. Her relationship with her mother, Deja, is an essential subplot, exploring a mother-daughter bond tested by secrets and deceptions.

Three's Complicated often bends the age-old cliches related to love relationships and successfully throws in a touch of comedic elements while exploring diverse themes of love, age, gender roles, and family dynamics. It’s a story about self-discovery, love's complexities, and the delicate yet robust filament of familial relationships that are always one surprise away from unraveling.

In conclusion, Three's Complicated creates an engaging narrative that keeps its audience hooked till the end and leaves them contemplating the modern-day dynamics of love and relationships. All the twists and unexpected scenarios make it a noteworthy addition to the romantic comedy genre. With crisp dialogues, commendable performances, and an intricate depiction of love's fantastic intricacies, the film ensures an entertaining watch.