Quadrangle

In an effort to pioneer an alternative to divorce, two couples opted to enter into a secret group marriage, swapping partners and living with their children under the same roof for years. But as is usually the case, sharing created jealousy, and before they knew it, the seemingly innocent plan turned into an emotional nightmare from hell.

Amy Grappell directs this enticingly smart documentary, interviewing one of the original couples separately, and showing their footage simultaneously, one beside the other. The presentation is as unique as the relationship it showcases, providing a rare focal point in the otherwise chaotic lives that these four self-proclaimed hippies lived.

Even though the film only runs twenty minutes, I still found it to be complete and effortlessly unique. (I mean, how could it not be given the subject matter?) Both principles were open about their experimentations, and when it was all said and done, little was left on the table in terms of content and admissions.

Is there potential for a full-length feature? Probably. But I didn’t feel slighted in the least bit, and I owe much of that to Grappell, who took a unique subject and presented it in such a way that wasn’t only satisfying, but completely entertaining.