It only takes a few minutes into the movie for the audience to realize how dysfunctional Joe and Angela’s marriage is. Joe refuses to host the couple because he is frustrated by the constant loud sex noises coming from their apartment, but Angela wants to call them because she thinks they’re cool. Clearly, they’re not on the same page. From the get-go, I could tell that Joe’s stubbornness and Angela’s anxiousness would result in some uncomfortable moments. And my, was I right!

Wilde’s directorial vision for the two couples becomes clear as the film progresses. Their facades begin to vanish, and their conversations get real. Their differences gradually widen, revealing one secure couple—Hawk and Piña—and one extremely insecure couple—Joe and Angela. From the beginning of the dinner party, Joe and Angela project their own insecurities onto their neighbors, trying to find some fault in their relationship.