Premarital (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

Just days before their nuptials, Sophie (Kelley Jakle) and Alan (Mark Hapka) must deal with her overbearing family. With religious beliefs questioned and all of the familial relationships on the ropes, Premarital examines what’s truly important in our lives. 

The vehicle by which the story of Premarital is told isn’t new. Viewers see the perfect family as they attempt to navigate the flaws that consume them behind closed doors. It’s an effective model, and it’s one that is easy to access. I certainly don’t fault Writer Margaret Bienert and Writer-Director Robert Ingraham for using this to drive their film forward, but Premarital becomes a bit predictable as a result. 

The heart and soul of Premarital is that aforementioned idea that the externally perfect family is flawed beneath the surface. Furthermore, Premarital focuses heavily on the idea of Christianity (and really all religion) being the path to absolution—freeing them of all their faults. While this ensemble cast does become a bit too much to keep track of, Beinert and Ingraham do an effective job of providing nearly every character with an arc, with a secret that is ultimately relevant to the overall film. 

Furthermore, with religion playing such a prominent role in the film, this writing duo does a splendid job of avoiding using it as a crutch or a target. It’s made clear that religion can be of use to those who practice it properly; and for those who live a self-condemned life of sin, religion can only protect you so much. A balance is achieved in the messaging of Premarital, and that’s something of a breath of fresh air in a world where viewers are often subjected to preaching or condemnation of divinity. 

Given what could have been an overbearingly-heavy topic, Premarital presents viewers with a balanced levity that transcends the entirety of the film. Vibrant colors combat the sometimes heavy narrative tones, allowing for the film to remain accessible and, again, stops it from becoming overbearing in its more intense moments. 

There is a lot crammed into this film, and sometimes it’s challenging for this team to effectively incorporate everyone and everything into it. That’s clear, and, again, I feel that they spread themselves too thin with the abundance of characters that are meant to play integral roles in Premarital (even if everyone is given something of an arc). It may have been beneficial if the ensemble had been made smaller, as the performances would have had more opportunity to shine, the narratives better developed, and film more cohesive.

Given the message(s) that Premarital is meant to convey, it’s an inherently good film—but it lacks some basic filmmaking norms and expectations, sometimes making it challenging to become fully invested in the narrative. 

Directed by Robert Ingraham. 

Written by Robert Ingraham & Margaret Bienert. 

Starring Jim O’Heir, Mark Hapka, Kelley Jakle, Meredith Thomas, Cameron Cowperthwaite, etc. 

6.5/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE