Couples

“Couples” is a feature length film released in 2024 on the Fort Toast YouTube channel, written and directed by Matt Williams. The movie follows multiple dinner parties hosted by Harry (James D. Markey) for his germaphobe boyfriend Theo (Stephen Vatikiotis), Alice (Anna Roy) and River (Jason Sardinha), a couple whom he recently acquainted with in Amsterdam, embarking on their long awaited European expedition. These aforementioned plans do not at all go swimmingly, however, following the dynamic of the group as they explore issues within their personal lives and even each other’s relationships.

The overall objective of the narrative is to dissect the modern dating scene, considering the influx of clubbing culture, insecurities and struggles that are more often faced by the are generation. Set after the pandemic, a large portion of Theo’s character revolves around social issues and recovery from an alcohol addiction, which may resonate with many young adults, especially those socialising issues and a with a phobia of illness. The dialogue of first dinner mainly revolves the themes of sexuality and gender, establishing the fluidity of these concepts and of our four main characters very efficiently. Sex as an idea itself is also explored - what it means to people and how sexual desires fluctuate greatly from person to person. Following a difficult conversation about how exactly Harry and Theo began their relationship, Harry and River hit the town, whilst Alice and Theo remain behind. Surprisingly, the relatively timid Theo reveals he has always taken an interest in girls, forming a spark that occurs between the two. Their conversation becomes the crux of the second act and elaborately navigates the essence of infidelity, open relationships and what it means to love someone truly.

It appears that the film purposefully does not answer many of its own questions, as relationships are far too complex to be solved so quickly, but it does certify that viewers can introspectively reflect upon the structure of their own bonds. Ultimately, as Alice mentions, having a partner means trading the excitement of meeting new people for security and stability. But with online sexual culture implanting itself amongst millions, things have become much more complex; settling down is simply too much to ask for when people crave novelty.

These tough conversations culminate in Theo’s final outburst over Christmas dinner, not long after the first fateful night, in which he aggressively exposes the flaws of each member present, mostly himself. The truth of him and Alice comes to light, to which Theo forcibly leaves the apartment and breaks his sobriety at last. It would appear that this climax between the two couples is a symbol of the unpredictable outcomes with youthful romance and multiple sexual involvements. River’s final consolation to Theo perfectly hammers home to the audience what they have learned: “Hurt people hurt people.”

The project was filmed across only 5 days in the summer of 2024, releasing on YouTube a few months later in December. The small budget of the production results in a claustrophobic, homely and intimate atmosphere which complements the narrative. Intimate scenes are also well executed and credited to Lexie Woodruff for coordination. Finlay Sleath is also listed as technical consultant, with Max Handscomb heading photography.

Potential audience members should be steadily warned against “Couples” for its use of mature and difficult topics as listed above, watching only if this will not result in distress. Otherwise, the independent viewing experience is an evocative ordeal, entreating those in relationships to ensure they overcome personal struggles before committing so heavily to another individual as to not create more damning scenarios. Despite a small crew and limited operating conditions, the film does excellently to establish themes and leave a lasting impact, dealing with the material at hand sensitively and appropriately.