Movie Review: Threesome (1994)

★★★★★

A smart, sensitive snapshot of messy youth and emotional intimacy. Far more thoughtful than its title suggests.

Brandy A.

Alabama

When someone mentions Threesome, your mind probably jumps straight to the obvious sex, confusion, and provocative situations. But trust me, this 1994 indie gem is far more layered than the name suggests. At BoxReview.com, we like to peel back the surface of films that may have been misunderstood or brushed off as products of their time. And Threesome, written and directed by Andrew Fleming, is definitely one of those movies that deserves a deeper look.

Not Just About Sex: It’s About Self-Discovery

Set in a college dorm, the film centers on three students accidentally placed together in a suite Eddy (Josh Charles), Stuart (Stephen Baldwin), and Alex (Lara Flynn Boyle). A clerical error puts Alex, a woman, in a male dorm, and what follows is a strange, emotionally complex triangle of attraction, jealousy, vulnerability, and longing.

Yes, the premise sounds like it’s headed straight for cheap laughs or shallow titillation. And while there are comedic and sexual elements, Threesome is ultimately about self-discovery and the complicated blur between love and desire. This isn’t a movie about a threesome for the sake of shock it’s about what happens when three emotionally raw people begin to see parts of themselves in each other.

What often gets missed in other reviews is how much of the movie plays like a quiet, coming-of-age drama, one that wears its vulnerability on its sleeve. It’s awkward and uncomfortable, not because of its subject matter, but because it captures that very specific kind of emotional messiness that defines early adulthood.

Digging Deeper into the Characters

What really makes Threesome stand out even all these years later is the writing of the characters. Eddy, the sensitive narrator, is struggling with his sexuality. His internal conflict is portrayed with a subtlety that was rare in '90s mainstream cinema. His attraction to Stuart is filled with confusion and fear, and it’s not wrapped up neatly by the end.

Stuart, on the other hand, is your typical brash, straight alpha male on the surface. But even he’s more nuanced than you'd expect. He’s emotionally stunted, insecure, and perhaps even grappling with deeper feelings he doesn’t know how to express. Stephen Baldwin brings a chaotic energy to Stuart that plays well against Josh Charles’ introspective Eddy.

And then there’s Alex, who often gets sidelined in discussions about this film. She’s more than just the woman stuck between two guys. She’s sharp, guarded, and longing for connection on her own terms. Lara Flynn Boyle’s performance grounds the film emotionally. Her chemistry with both male leads feels authentic, and her character is as confused and longing as the others.

What most reviews gloss over is how equally vulnerable each character is. Nobody really “wins.” There’s no clear moral or resolution. That’s the point.

A Snapshot of '90s Youth

One thing I love about Threesome is how it captures the spirit of its time without being overly dated. It’s set in a pre-digital college world, and that simplicity actually works in the film’s favor. The lack of distractions lets the relationships simmer in a more intimate way.

At the same time, it’s fascinating to watch the film today and see how ahead of its time it was in addressing sexual fluidity and identity without making it a gimmick. It doesn’t have the “woke” vocabulary of today, but it does have honesty. Eddy’s emotional arc in particular still resonates in an era where labels can feel both freeing and limiting.

Intimacy Beyond the Physical

While Threesome inevitably leads up to the titular moment, the film isn’t obsessed with the act itself. In fact, the scene plays out more like a sad inevitability than a sexy payoff. It's filled with tension, awkwardness, and a touch of tragedy, as if all three characters are desperately trying to hold onto something they know won’t last.

The real intimacy of the movie comes in the small moments—late-night conversations, unspoken glances, awkward silences. There’s a rawness here that feels real, especially for anyone who’s ever gone through that emotionally chaotic phase of college when you're trying to figure out not just who you love but who you are.

Underrated Direction and Soundtrack

Andrew Fleming’s direction is understated but effective. The film feels small and personal, almost like you're eavesdropping on something you’re not supposed to hear. The choice to have Eddy narrate gives the movie a confessional tone, which deepens the emotional impact.

Also worth mentioning is the film’s soundtrack, which perfectly captures the moody, introspective tone of the story. Tracks from bands like The Innocence Mission and other '90s alt-rock staples add layers to the atmosphere. It’s the kind of soundtrack you’d want to revisit on a rainy afternoon.

Why It Still Matters

Threesome might not have the cultural clout of other '90s indie films, but it should. It’s messy in the way real relationships are messy. It doesn’t give easy answers or clean resolutions, and that’s precisely why it sticks with you.

Today’s audiences especially younger viewers navigating fluid identity and emotional connection might find more in this film than they expect. It’s not preachy, it’s not exploitative. It’s just honest.

Final Thoughts

Watching Threesome feels like flipping through an old journal you forgot you kept during college cringe-worthy, honest, and strangely comforting. It’s not just a story about three people. It’s a story about that universal phase of life where you’re just starting to understand who you are and who you want to be.

Here at Box Review, we believe Threesome is one of those quietly impactful films that deserves a second look. Beneath the provocative title lies a beautifully awkward exploration of youth, love, and identity.