Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Appealing stars, lots of sex in racy romcom.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sleeping with Other People
What's the Story?
Jake (Jason Sudeikis) and Lainey (Alison Brie) have each destroyed every relationship they've ever had because they have trouble with monogamy -- he sleeps with just about anyone, while she's been having an affair for years with a married doctor. When the two meet (at a meeting for sex addicts), it's clear they're attracted to each other, but they decide not to fall into bed so they can instead try to form a healthy platonic friendship. Soon they become best friends, even while SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE. It's clear their attraction is still growing, but it's less clear whether they'll ever act on those feelings. Or if they should.
Is It Any Good?
Thank heavens for chemistry; Sudeikis and Brie make this somewhat relatable movie work. Who among us hasn't had an amorphous on-again, off-again crush on the same person that's lasted for years? Brie is so especially charming that we wind up cheering for her even though she is, for lack of a better description, a mess.
What's less realistic is how convoluted the situations that Jake and Lainey find themselves in are. And then there's the gendered one-sidedness of Jake and Lainey's dynamic: He finds himself by continuing to sleep with many women, while her path through means steering clear of most everyone. The ending is as you'd expect, but it's still fun to see the movie arrive at its destination, if only because we've been rooting for Lainey to find happiness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sleeping with Other People depicts sex and relationships. What role does love play in the equation? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values on these topics.
Do you think Jake and Lainey's issues are realistic? Why do they decide not to sleep with each other? How does that decision underpin their friendship? Do you think it seems sensible?
How does this film compare to other romcoms -- like, say, When Harry Met Sally? Do you think think it follows the standard formula?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 11, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : January 5, 2016
- Cast : Jason Sudeikis , Alison Brie , Amanda Peet , Adam Scott , Natasha Lyonne
- Director : Leslye Headland
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong sexual content, language including sexual references, and some drug use
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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