THE STORY – Just one year into her marriage, Teresa (she/her) hopes her honeymoon in the tropical paradise of Bocas del Toro, Panamá will be the pinnacle of her relationship thus far. Yet, upon arrival, her perception of her husband Drew (he/him) as a people-pleasing golden boy begins to push her to the edge. Stripped of the routines that barely sustain their newlywed bond and unwilling to confront her true feelings, Teresa becomes captivated by Paz (they/them), a free-spirited expat who manages their vacation rental. In an impulsive attempt to reignite their fading connection, Teresa suggests a wild way to spice up their marriage.
THE CAST – Madison Lanesey, Travis Quentin Young, Arta Gee, Lisa Jacqueline Starrett, Elizabeth de Robbins, Armodio Sophia, Meggan Taylor, Mitch Bisschop & Amberlin Morse
THE TEAM – GG Hawkins (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 79 Minutes
In GG Hawkins’ debut feature, “I Really Love My Husband,” a lush paradise serves as a stunning backdrop to a comedy-drama that explores the complexities of marriage and desire. Teresa (Madison Lanesey) has only been married to Drew (Travis Quentin Young) for a year, but the cracks in their seemingly picture-perfect relationship are already beginning to show as they embark on a tropical honeymoon. What starts as a journey to rekindle their bond quickly unravels into a web of confusion and jealousy. This honeymoon may not push them to a happy future but rather shatter it.
Teresa’s internal struggle is at the heart of the story: She loves her husband – or at least wants to love him. Early in the film, we see her locked in a bathroom on her wedding day, reassuring someone (likely an ex) that she’s happy, desperately repeating, “I really love my husband.” It’s a repeated phrase that feels like an affirmation she’s trying to convince herself of more than anyone else. It’s a moment that sets the tone for the rest of the film, where mounting doubts constantly undercut Teresa’s attempts to convince herself of her marital bliss.
The film has a quiet charm in how it tackles these nuances of relationship dynamics – and Teresa’s dissatisfaction is palpable. While Drew, ever the people-pleaser, tries to make her happy, she finds his overly kind, perfect nature suffocating. The tension between them is subtle at first but grows more evident as Teresa grapples with her feelings of uncertainty. The honeymoon isn’t the escape she hopes for; instead, it serves as a crucible for her existential crisis.
It’s here that “I Really Love My Husband” truly becomes a fascinating character study. Teresa’s frustrations with Drew are amplified by her attraction to Paz (Arta Gee), a free-spirit who manages their vacation rental. Teresa, eager to inject some excitement into her marriage, proposes a wild idea – she wants to spice things up by seducing Paz together. Drew, eager to please Teresa, reluctantly agrees, though he’s visibly unsure of what he’s stepping into.
What follows is a series of complicated interactions between the three, as Drew tries to navigate his desire to make Teresa happy while contending with his growing connection to Paz. The film expertly captures the tension and jealousy that emerge as Drew and Paz develop a bond of their own. Initially in control of the situation, Teresa starts to lose her grip on her emotions, experiencing jealousy, not just over their connection, but because Drew is having an experience she thought she wanted for herself.
The film’s more secluded setting, vibrant in color and sun-soaked beauty, provides ample space to explore the subtleties of each character’s emotions while contrasting sharply with the emotional turmoil brewing beneath the surface. The film also makes a subtle commentary on how the outwardly perfect life can be a façade. Through phone footage played over the credits, we see a glimpse of the version of their relationship Teresa and Drew present to the world – a version that, in hindsight, feels more like a performance than a reality.
Teresa’s eventual breakdown – manifesting in the loss of her wedding ring in the ocean – symbolizes the collapse of her carefully constructed narrative. What seemed like an idyllic honeymoon has instead threatened their bond. The true feelings that Teresa had been hiding – both from herself and Drew – are on the verge of coming to light, and the foundation of this marriage may not be solid enough to hold them.
While the central narrative is undeniably engaging, it’s the underlying themes of desire and the complexity of modern relationships that elevate “I Really Love My Husband” beyond a typical romantic comedy. The film’s diverse production – featuring an LGBTQ-friendly cast and crew – adds an important layer of inclusivity and representation to the story.
“I Really Love My Husband” is a charming exploration of the messy, imperfect nature of relationships. The film leaves its audience with questions about the nature of love and whether it’s possible to truly know what you want until it’s too late. For anyone seeking a film that challenges romantic happiness ideals and explores marriage’s emotional complexities, “I Really Love My Husband” is a compelling watch.
