I Don’t Understand You (2025) – Movie Review & Where to Watch Online
In a cinematic landscape often oversaturated with predictable romantic comedies and uninspired horror hybrids, I Don’t Understand You (2025) emerges as a chaotic, heartfelt, and hilariously uncomfortable surprise. Co-written and directed by David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano, this indie dark comedy explores the fragile dynamics of a couple’s relationship as they face miscommunication, cultural confusion, and…accidental murder, all in the middle of the Italian countryside.
As of the time this article is written (June 2025), I Don’t Understand You is currently available for purchase via Vudu Fandango at Home, with more streaming options expected soon. To stay up to date on availability, check JustWatch.
Plot Summary: Two Men, One Babymoon, and a String of Missteps
Set against the picturesque yet isolating rural landscape of Italy, the film follows Dom (Nick Kroll) and Cole (Andrew Rannells), a couple celebrating their 10-year anniversary and preparing to become adoptive parents. What was intended as a final romantic getaway before fatherhood quickly devolves into a comedy of errors, as language barriers, transportation mishaps, and emotionally repressed fears come to a head.
When they accidentally kill a local—an incident that spirals into a blood-streaked farce of cover-ups and panicked logic—the film’s tone shifts from a quirky relationship study to a full-blown absurdist dark comedy.
Performances That Elevate the Chaos
The chemistry between Kroll and Rannells is, without a doubt, the film’s strongest asset. Their banter oscillates between cloyingly sweet and caustically snide, portraying a couple who love each other but clearly have unresolved tensions simmering under the surface. Kroll’s comedic timing hits new highs here, arguably delivering one of his best film performances to date.
Morgan Spector, in a smaller supporting role, leaves a memorable impression—continuing his streak as one of the most charismatic actors in indie cinema right now.
Direction and Tone: A Balancing Act of Genre
Directors Craig and Crano walk a tightrope, juggling themes of relationship anxiety, fear of parenthood, and cultural dislocation with slapstick murder and biting satire. The tonal shifts—while sometimes jarring—serve the story’s overall message: life is messy, unpredictable, and often hilarious when it’s not supposed to be.
Interestingly, the directors draw from personal experience with the adoption process, lending the emotional beats a level of authenticity, even as the plot descends into comedic madness. Some viewers may find the first act’s pacing slow, but it lays crucial groundwork for the increasingly unhinged second half.
Visuals and Symbolism: Not Just Blood and Gags
Despite its comedic leanings, the film doesn’t skimp on cinematic beauty. One standout aerial shot during a drive to an anniversary dinner looks straight out of a luxury SUV commercial. There’s even subtle foreshadowing—such as fabric patterns—that speaks to the directors’ attention to detail. And yes, the goats (Bella and Luna) deserve a supporting actor shoutout.
Themes: Communication, Parenthood, and Italian Smart Cars?
At its heart, I Don’t Understand You is about miscommunication—in relationships, in foreign countries, and within oneself. The language barrier trope is handled with cleverness rather than cliché, offering both comedic setups and poignant reflections. Cole’s panic, Dom’s doubts, and the couple’s shared desperation to build a family form the emotional spine of a movie that isn’t afraid to plunge headfirst into absurdity.
And while the satire leans into the ridiculous (do Italian police really drive Smart cars?), the film never loses sight of its emotional core. Even as the bodies pile up, the stakes feel personal.
Audience Reaction: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Positive
Many viewers have praised the film’s unexpected blend of humor and darkness. One fan noted, “So funny! Might be Nick Kroll’s best movie role.” Others were surprised by how quickly the movie escalated, yet found the payoff satisfying.
Some critiques pointed to the pacing and tonal shifts as weaknesses—“It weirdly becomes more fun as it completely falls off the rails”—but even the harsher reviews admit there’s something oddly watchable about Dom and Cole’s Italian disaster.
Where to Watch I Don’t Understand You Online
Currently, the film is available for purchase on:
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Vudu Fandango at Home
While it has not yet been released on major subscription streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, you can track availability via JustWatch, which will be updated as the film becomes available for rent or subscription viewing in the U.S..
Final Verdict: Worth Watching?
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romantic vacation film—this is not it. I Don’t Understand You is a genre-bending dark comedy that mixes relationship drama, cross-cultural confusion, and satirical gore into a surprisingly heartfelt exploration of love and commitment.
Sure, it’s messy. The pacing falters, and the tonal shifts may not work for everyone. But for viewers willing to embrace the chaos, this film delivers plenty of laughs, a touch of depth, and one unforgettable babymoon.
Whether you’re a fan of indie comedies, dark humor, or just want to see Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells unleash mayhem in the Italian countryside, I Don’t Understand You is well worth a watch.
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