Every so often, we’re blessed by an absolute gem that has coasted through the film festival circuit. Thank God, that blessing this summer has come by way of Do Us Part, a wedding-crashing, laugh-out-loud comedy written, directed, and starring Reed Arnold.
The film follows Rose (Kelly Russo), the ex-best friend of Ryan (Travis Laughlin), as she quietly crashes his wedding to admit her love for him years after he was left in the dust. Best man and best friend, Mark (Reed Arnold), does his best to kick her out, but after failing, he does his best to mediate the tense and awkward situation before making the biggest decision of his life. While trying to bring peace to the situation, a handful of secrets are revealed that may unravel the wedding and their friendships.
This, without a doubt, is one of the funniest films I’ve seen this year. As far as romantic comedies and dramas go, this is far better than anything I’ve seen in the mainstream. You, Me & Tuscany was a fun, semi-predictable experience that was a welcome escape from reality. But what separates Do Us Part from the other rom-coms of the year is the side-splitting comedy the film has to offer. Russo and Arnold offer hilarious rants, quick-witted quips, and vulgar juxtapositions to the point where I can no longer look at Old Faithful the same. Simply put, the comedy is unique, fresh, and creative; a welcome sight in a saturated genre that’s long-needed improvement.
After attending college at the University of Virginia, before heading Westward for acting, Do Us Part acted as a love letter to the institution. With anyone who has ever attended a major university out of state, the building of friendships and camaraderie will ultimately face the test of senior year. Ultimately, graduation means separation as different people take different paths to different places. While Ryan and Mark were under the impression that the group would enjoy Washington, D.C. together, Rose’s new job required her relocation to New York. With flashbacks taking place in rooms adorned with UVA logos and paraphernalia, it’s safe to say the university is a place dear to Arnold’s heart.
You honestly couldn’t ask for a better film to make your directorial debut. You couldn’t predict when the comedy would appear or who it would come from. A pleasant surprise was the intense drama. When it was time for dramatic acting, the cast didn’t disappoint, especially towards the end. The film isn’t the first to take a jab at the two-guys-one-girl friendship dynamic, but it addresses it with a level of humor, creativity, and relevance that I’ve never seen before.
Do Us Part gets a 10 out of 10. If this isn’t the best rom-com you’ve ever seen, it will at least make you consider attending UVA. The trio navigates a minefield of secrets at the worst possible time, but ultimately finds the best possible outcome. But don’t take my word for it. The film hasn’t just been coasting through the festival circuit. It arrives with a cache of wins under its belt, including the Sedona Film Festival, Wyoming Film Festival, Naples Film Festival, and many others. Is it perfect? No, but it doesn’t have to be. If someone beats their chest and it sounds like someone tapping a microphone, or a monologue doesn’t land exactly as planned, that doesn’t take away from the overall quality of the movie. Besides, isn’t that the magic of the “process” as a film navigates the torrential waters of the festival circuit? So quit wondering and jump on board for the ride.
Do Us Part arrives in theaters in NYC today and on digital Friday, August 14.
-Jon Jones
Genre: Romantic/Comedy/Drama
Rating: Unrated (Explicit language)
Runtime: 1 hr 33 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: August 7, 2026 (NYC) | August 14 (On digital)