September 23, 2025

No Open Relationship Movies


No Open Relationship Movies
Movie theater. Fernando de Souza, Wikimedia Commons.

On September 17, it was revealed that the Russian Ministry of Culture delayed the distribution license for U.S. actress Dakota John's latest movie, Splitsville, making it impossible to show the rom-com in movie theaters in the country. The permit was withheld likely due to the film's discussion of open relationships.

Splitsville (Нескромные, "Indiscreet" in Russia), centers on a wife, Ashley, who asks her husband, Carey, for a divorce. In despair, Carey runs to Julie and Paul to figure out how to save his marriage, only to find out that having an open relationship keeps his friends' marriage afloat. Carey and Ashley open their relationship, an experiment that soon spirals out of control. The movie premiered on May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival.

The American film was scheduled for release in Russia on September 25. The movie's main cast, Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, and Michael Angelo Corvino, gave interviews to the Russian press in preparation for the movie's premiere in the country. However, the licensing for the screening was never issued.

Independent film distributor Arna Media president Nadezhda Motina said, "I think it is a refusal [of the Ministry of Culture]. We don't understand the reasons. I personally saw the film and there is nothing problematic in it." Motina pointed out that similar films are being released in Russia. The film distributor added, "The state will lose R20 million rubles ($239,536) in direct taxes from us on this film alone."

After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it faced a boycott from Hollywood's major studios. For the past three years, Russian cinemas have had to get creative on how to show American films. These tactics have included renting their screening rooms to third-party companies that project the movies. However, American films appear to be attempting a return to Russia, and the move has not been welcomed by the Russian government.

In April, the Ministry of Culture denied licensing for Guy Ritchie's World War II-themed movie The Ministry of Ungentlemenly Warfare, starring Henry Cavill. And in July, the Duma passed a bill refusing screening permits to films that "discredit traditional values." That law will officially come into effect in March 2026.

You Might Also Like

FSB's New Treason Trap
  • September 16, 2025

FSB's New Treason Trap

Russia has opened over 100 "light treason" cases in under two years, many born from FSB operations.
Murderer Released or No?
  • September 18, 2025

Murderer Released or No?

Conflicting accounts emerge whether a notorious convicted murder has been released.
Economy in Crisis?
  • September 13, 2025

Economy in Crisis?

A recent report summarized the potentially perilous state of the Russian economy.
A Civic Duty?
  • September 14, 2025

A Civic Duty?

A local Russian leader opened a new kindergarten by calling on citizens to be fruitful and multiply.
Marriage War Scams Grow
  • September 03, 2025

Marriage War Scams Grow

Russian lawmakers push for tougher rules amid reports of women marrying deployed soldiers to collect benefits.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955