New Film ‘Life Partners’ Depicts an Unofficial Love Triangle

Neil McNally

We have seen many romantic comedies telling the story of boy meets girl, or some variation upon that theme. However, with Magnolia’s latest release, ‘Life Partners’ this romantic comedy decides to veer upon uncharted territory, what happens to friendships after you find the one?

“Life Partners” is the directorial debut of Susanna Fogel, whose previous experience lies in television as one of the creators of the popular ABC Family program “Chasing Life.”

It is here that Fogel brings us the fractured story of Paige and Sasha, played by Gillian Jacobs and Leighton Meester respectively. Paige, who is straight, and Sasha, who is not, are the best of friends who have leaned on each other through thick and thin over the years. Nothing it seems will ever get in the way of their strong bond. That is, until the arrival of Tim, played by “The O.C.” actor Adam Brody, into Paige’s life. Their friendship is tested to its limits as Paige’s romance with Tim heats up, and Sasha is forced to realize that she isn’t the only one in Paige’s life anymore.

The film touches on bittersweet themes and events that all of us have most likely encountered in our lives. As Fogel recently told the website “Indie Wire,” “…It’s about the unofficial love triangle that forms by default when a friend enters a relationship, the way all our relationships have to be recalibrated as we grow up, and the heartbreak and humor that entails.”

“Life Partners” is also sure to give Gillian Jacobs more of chance to shine away from the ensemble cast of “Community,” and to show her in a different light to audiences. With roles in the upcoming comedy “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” and Judd Apatow’s new Netflix comedy series “Love,” it’s hard to deny her likeable on-screen charm.

‘Life Partners’ will be in theaters Dec. 5. The film is currently available on-demand and iTunes.