The Lovers

Writer-director Azazel Jacobs (Momma’s Man; Terri) delivers this mostly smart, mostly snappy, deeply romantic anti-romance about a philandering married couple rediscovering their spark. Michael (Tracy Letts) and Mary (Debra Winger) are deep into the “passionless roommates” phase of their union, each secretly canoodling with a needy younger partner (Melora Walters and Aiden Gillen, respectively), and each secretly preparing to call the marriage quits. But as their illicit sex partners begin to feel more like domestic obligations, Michael and Mary find a new thrill—sneaking around with each other. Jacobs uses the juxtaposition between his colorless style and composer Mandy Hoffman’s insistently swooning score to great effect, and he’s blessed with strong performances in the lead roles. (It’s great to see a showcase role for the always underused Winger.) Unfortunately, the pace frequently lags, and the final third gets especially gummy; overall, The Lovers feels too much like an overextended short. D.B.