Till death do us part—yet sometimes, divorce strikes long before the final chapter. In Ex-Husbands, writer-director Noah Pritzker takes us on a wild ride through a man’s unraveling marriage, timed perfectly with his son’s bachelor party. Peter Pearce (Griffin Dunne), a New York dentist, is facing a 35-year marriage coming to a bitter end. Meanwhile, his sons are each at a crossroads: Mickey (Miles Heizer) is stepping into life as a newly out gay man, and Nick (James Norton) is about to make a big leap into marriage. Ex-Husbands isn’t your typical bachelor party flick like The Hangover or The Best Man—it adds a layer of dark comedy and a gritty dose of realism, capturing the pain and complexity of love’s unraveling.
Nick is set for a bachelor party getaway in Tulum, Mexico, accompanied by his younger brother Mickey and a few friends—only to discover their father, Peter, is coincidentally headed there too. Fresh off signing his divorce papers, Peter is grappling with the emotional fallout of ending his marriage to Maria. While Ex-Husbands finds moments of humor in its three protagonists spiraling through the wreckage of their own failed relationships, it resists being labeled a comedy. The laughs are understated, emerging more from wry observation than overt punchlines.
At its core, the film explores the emotional disarray of men untethered from the women who once anchored them. Female characters make only fleeting appearances, highlighting how lost Peter and his sons seem without the presence of mothers or partners to smooth over life’s rough edges. Pritzker’s screenplay frames endings—not just of marriages, but of entire phases of life—as the defining challenge these men must confront. Yet within their shared struggles, father and sons find rare moments of connection, reminding us that even in loss, there is space for love and understanding.
Pritzker’s script is sharp and well-crafted, filled with lively, engaging conversations between the lead trio and the bachelor party guests. As a dialogue-driven film, it leans on natural, effortless performances that bring a sense of intimacy and realism. The breathtaking sunsets, pristine beaches, and rich culture of Tulum—wrapped in its signature ‘boho-chic’ charm—serve as a stunning yet unobtrusive backdrop. The soundtrack is equally captivating, so much so that I found myself wanting to add every song to my personal playlist.
Ex-Husbands is a film brimming with authenticity and heart. Noah Pritzker approaches this relatable tale of identity and transformation with kindness and compassion, never casting judgment on his characters. Their missteps feel human, as humor and sorrow seamlessly intertwine, reflecting the messy, beautiful nature of life itself. By the film’s end, a glimmer of hope emerges from the shadows of loss. With its heartfelt performances, sharp writing, and a setting that mirrors both escape and reflection, Ex-Husbands lingers long after the credits roll—a bittersweet reminder that even in endings, there is room for renewal.
