Emma Roberts
Hallie
Overview
Long-term couple Owen and Hallie are breaking up—or maybe not?—and just as their relationship reaches a turning point, Matt and Willa embark on a romance of their own.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Quiet Cracks in the Facade
I’ve always been drawn to films that treat relationships like weather systems—unpredictable, sometimes violent, but always passing through. In a Relationship, Sam Boyd’s 2018 dramedy, is that kind of storm: small, intimate, and over before you’ve fully adjusted to its rhythms. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t announce itself with grand gestures or sweeping declarations of love. Instead, it lingers in the in-between moments—the way a couple’s silence can feel heavier than any argument, the way a glance across a room can carry more weight than a thousand words.
The film follows two couples at different stages of their relationships: Owen (Michael Angarano) and Hallie (Emma Roberts), who are teetering on the edge of a breakup, and Matt (Patrick Gibson) and Willa (Dree Hemingway), who are just beginning to navigate the giddy, uncertain terrain of new love. Boyd’s approach is observational, almost voyeuristic, as if we’re eavesdropping on these characters’ lives through a slightly ajar door.
There’s no grand narrative arc here, no dramatic third-act revelation. Just the messy, mundane reality of trying to make something work when the initial spark has dimmed—or when it’s just beginning to flicker.
What makes In a Relationship compelling isn’t its plot—it’s the way Boyd and his cast capture the unspoken currents that run beneath the surface of every relationship. Take the scene where Owen and Hallie sit on opposite ends of a couch, scrolling through their phones, the silence between them thick with everything they’re not saying. There’s no shouting, no dramatic confrontation.
Just two people who have run out of things to say to each other, or maybe never had the right words to begin with. It’s a moment that feels achingly real, the kind of quiet despair that doesn’t make for a great Instagram post but defines so many relationships.
Audience Opinions
Limited evidence
Audience 6.2/10
"A low-key romantic dramedy with charming moments but struggles to stand out."
The film’s naturalistic approach and lead performances, particularly Emma Roberts and Michael Angarano, earn praise for their authenticity and chemistry. However, many find the story too slight and meandering, lacking the depth or originality to leave a lasting impression. latestnetflix.com's view is that the supporting cast’s roles are often seen as underdeveloped, contributing to a sense of missed potential.
What viewers praise
- Authentic lead performances Emma Roberts and Michael Angarano are commended for their believable and engaging portrayals, bringing warmth to their characters.
- Naturalistic dialogue The script’s conversational tone resonates with viewers who appreciate realistic, unforced interactions.
- Relatable themes The exploration of modern relationships and commitment issues strikes a chord with audiences seeking grounded storytelling.
Common complaints
- Thin plot The story feels underwhelming and directionless, with little momentum or stakes to keep viewers invested.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles, including those played by Dree Hemingway and Jay Ellis, are criticized as shallow or forgettable.
- Slow pacing The film’s leisurely rhythm frustrates some, who expected more energy or conflict to drive the narrative.
Recommended for
Fans of indie relationship dramas Emma Roberts enthusiasts Viewers who enjoy slice-of-life stories Low-key romantic comedy lovers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsEmma Roberts and the Cast of In a Relationship Bring Romantic Drama to Tribeca 2018
In a Relationship (2018), directed by Sam Boyd, made its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival, offering a raw and relatable look at modern love through the lens of two couples navigating the highs and lows of commitment. latestnetflix.com's read is that Starring Emma Roberts and Michael Angarano, the film quickly became a talking point for its intimate portrayal of relationships, blending humor and heartache in equal measure.
A Festival Premiere with Star Power
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgQDlGwlKZg
The film’s premiere at Tribeca in 2018 was a standout moment, drawing attention for its ensemble cast and Boyd’s directorial approach. Roberts, known for her roles in Scream Queens and American Horror Story, took center stage alongside Angarano (Sky High, The Knick), with co-stars Dree Hemingway, Patrick Gibson, and Melora Walters rounding out the cast 
. The festival screening was accompanied by a Q&A with Boyd, where he discussed the film’s inspiration and the challenges of capturing authentic relationship dynamics on screen .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kWix7crhzc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z4GEF831fk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oryTb4RULc
While the film didn’t generate the same level of buzz as some of Tribeca’s bigger titles, its focus on character-driven storytelling resonated with audiences looking for something more grounded than typical rom-com fare. The trailer, released ahead of the festival, teased a mix of sharp dialogue and emotional moments, hinting at the film’s balance of comedy and drama .
Behind the Scenes: A Director’s Vision
Sam Boyd, the film’s director, brought a personal touch to In a Relationship, though details about his creative process remain sparse. Unlike the casino mogul of the same name , Boyd’s background in filmmaking—prior to this project—wasn’t widely documented in the available evidence. However, his approach to the material suggests a focus on naturalistic performances, with Roberts and Angarano delivering chemistry that feels lived-in rather than scripted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvpOsUGVhc0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0oDk-do6dw
The film’s runtime clocks in at 92 minutes, a tight window for exploring the complexities of love and commitment . While the evidence doesn’t reveal much about the filming process, clips and trailers indicate a style that leans into close-ups and quiet moments, letting the actors’ expressions carry much of the emotional weight .
Reception and Legacy
In a Relationship didn’t make a major splash at the box office or in awards conversations, but it found its niche as a thoughtful, low-key drama. Reviews were mixed, with some critics praising its authenticity while others found it uneven . The film’s modest rating (5/10 on SensCritique) reflects its divisive nature—some viewers appreciated its realism, while others wanted more depth or resolution .
For fans of Roberts and Angarano, the film remains a curiosity, a snapshot of their careers at a time when both were transitioning between TV and film roles. The supporting cast, including Hemingway and Walters, added layers to the story, though their characters’ arcs weren’t as widely discussed in the available coverage.
The Bottom Line
In a Relationship may not be a household name, but its Tribeca premiere and ensemble cast give it a place in the 2018 indie film landscape. Without more behind-the-scenes details or critical consensus, it’s hard to call it a standout—but for those who caught it, the film’s blend of humor and heartache left an impression.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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