Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
Dating behaviors nowadays have shifted to be more focused on the act of dating itself rather than truly getting to know a person. It has moved away from small gestures to show affection to a less organic, more robotic pattern that mirrors our digital age. Frustrations begin to be part of the experience, turning dating into a new addiction as a symptom of modernity; since we all still desperately seek the feeling of being loved and seen.
In today’s society, romantic relationships typically involve two people, but history tells us polyamorous relationships have always existed, predominantly within patriarchal structures. Love, a trait we all inherit abundantly, naturally extends to more than one person for some. The recent movie “Challengers” starring Zendaya hinted at a throuple dynamic between its three protagonists, sparking conversations about sexual liberation and challenging heteronormative norms, even though the scene never materialized.
At SLEEK, we’ve curated a selection of ten movies that feature throuples, showcasing a broader, more open view of sexuality on screen.
Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
Challengers, Luca Guadagnino, 2023
The young Tashi Duncan was a tennis prodigy in her teenage years, catching the attention of the two best friends Patrick and Art who are professional tennis players themselves. Over the course of the movie, it is a constant back and forth of the relationships between all protagonists. Even after the movie ends, the audience is left with the question which relationship the movie actually focused on.
Image Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures.
The Dreamers, Bernando Bertolucci, 2003
The free spirited twins Théo and Isabelle are bonding with the American exchange student Matthew who they invite to stay at their house while their parents are away. The film centers on a captivating trio who retreat into a decadent sanctuary of cinephilia and sensuality, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Only between their four walls, the intricacies of their relationships exist in harmony.
Image Courtesy of Canterbury Film Productions.
Entertaining Mr. Sloane, Douglas Hickox, 1970
The enigmatic and irresistibly magnetic Mr. Sloane, played with a devilish allure by Peter McEnery, finds himself embroiled in a perilous game of manipulation with a sultry sister and her shrewd brother, each vying for his affection in their own sinister ways. Sloane is a manipulative lodger who joins them in their home where Sloane’s fate takes on an interesting twist as values of morality and desire are shifting.
Image Courtesy of Fuji Television Network.
Twinkle, Jōji Matsuoka, 1992
As to satisfy their parents expectations, Shoko and Mutsuki are getting married even though he is in love with a young male college student. Over the course of the movie it becomes clear that it is less of a love story between the two male protagonists but more so of three individuals constructing an alternative to social norms of sexuality.
Image Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures.
Ratatouille, Brad Bird, 2007
The rat Remy is dreaming of being a cook. After he saved a soup that got messed up as Alfredo Linguini cleans the kitchen, he guides him to cook the dishes at the infamous restaurant Gusteau’s. Hidden under his kitchen hat, all of Linguini’s action are controlled by Remy; also the growing tensions of his love interest Colette.
Image Courtesy of Les Films Du Carrosse.
Jules et Jim, François Truffaut, 1962
The friends Jules and Jim have been fascinated by a smile of an antique statue and are since on the hunt to find it again. In Paris, they have met Catherine who inherits the smile that is occupying their minds. Both develop feelings for the same woman and for a while it seems like the three of them can have the special bond in harmony.
Image Courtesy of Anhelo Producciones.
Y tu mama también, Alfonso Cuarón, 2002
Coming from very different socio-economic backgrounds, Tenoch and Julio share a deep friendship. One day, they meet the ten years older Luisa, with who they go on a trip that is marked by feelings of lust, jealousy and features the intricacies of their friendship.
Image Courtesy of Columbia Pictures.
Cruel Intentions, Roger Kumble, 1999
Filled with intrigues and plotting each other’s fate, the movie Cruel Intentions features the step siblings Sebastian and Kathryn that are having a bet to win over Annette to sleep with Sebastian. Over the course of the movie, complications occur as feelings are unexpectedly involved.
Image Courtesy of SBS Productions.
Passages, Ira Sachs, 2023
The marriage of Tomas and Martin is facing a lot of hardships when Agathe entered their lives and Tomas fell for her. When she gets pregnant, all relationship constellations are shifting and unexpected bonds need to be explored.
Image Courtesy of Summit Entertainment.
Twilight, Catherine Hardwick, 2009
During the course of the whole saga, the endless fight is between Edward and Jacob wanting to win over Bella’s love. The dynamic between those two competitors is more complex than fighting for romance since it is also about the battle between vampires and wolfs; involving their whole families and confronting their history.