Slightly dull but just about watchable romcom worth half watching and passing the time but there is a lot better out there!
36 Reviews
Average and slightly dull
muamba_eats_toast5 March 2019
Asking For Permission? No! Asking For Trouble.
FallenEye13 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Well, of course this film was released in time for Valentines Day, but, if you're going to be ripping peoples hearts out for fun, maybe it should've been pushed to October.
Dane, is the only character in this movie who got COMPLETELY screwed over, more than anyone else, and yet, the person who set the wheels in motion towards his agony, anguish and destruction, gets to be the one who gets her happy ending, while it doesn't even ever get addressed of how, evil her actions were.
And also, I never really got the memo on the fact that, growing up is about fetching trouble, and allowing it to cause the inevitable harm it was always going to.
I have very little, to almost zero sympathy for Will, however, Anna is an unmistakable manipulator and villain. There is nothing right about her actions. She always projected her feeling, anxieties and desires on Will, which made it seem like all they did, was either his idea, or theirs, when it was always hers. She uses Dane, then condemns him to a state of emotional uncertainty and purgatory hell because of her malicious actions and failings. She then has intercourse with a complete stranger, who is also married, and once again, projects her TOTAL BS on him, when the problem is her. And then to top it off, after breaking Dane, she goes and shatters Will, in true Anna fashion.
I really like Rebecca Hall, however this role was a terrible choice, and her producing this film made it even worse. The subject matter of this film is nonsense, which is sad because the fact is, it is a true reflection of love today, however, the film felt rushed towards the end, and the execution wasn't necessarily the best. Permission tried to create scenarios where nobody was at fault; Anna, Will, Hale and Reece, but failed, miserably.
The after taste of Permission makes it feel like it deserves less than a 5/10, it really, really does, especially because it arrogantly perpetuates a life style contained in this vicious cycle most can't seem to escape, however, while watching it, I never really felt it deserved less, so, 5/10 it is.
Dane, is the only character in this movie who got COMPLETELY screwed over, more than anyone else, and yet, the person who set the wheels in motion towards his agony, anguish and destruction, gets to be the one who gets her happy ending, while it doesn't even ever get addressed of how, evil her actions were.
And also, I never really got the memo on the fact that, growing up is about fetching trouble, and allowing it to cause the inevitable harm it was always going to.
I have very little, to almost zero sympathy for Will, however, Anna is an unmistakable manipulator and villain. There is nothing right about her actions. She always projected her feeling, anxieties and desires on Will, which made it seem like all they did, was either his idea, or theirs, when it was always hers. She uses Dane, then condemns him to a state of emotional uncertainty and purgatory hell because of her malicious actions and failings. She then has intercourse with a complete stranger, who is also married, and once again, projects her TOTAL BS on him, when the problem is her. And then to top it off, after breaking Dane, she goes and shatters Will, in true Anna fashion.
I really like Rebecca Hall, however this role was a terrible choice, and her producing this film made it even worse. The subject matter of this film is nonsense, which is sad because the fact is, it is a true reflection of love today, however, the film felt rushed towards the end, and the execution wasn't necessarily the best. Permission tried to create scenarios where nobody was at fault; Anna, Will, Hale and Reece, but failed, miserably.
The after taste of Permission makes it feel like it deserves less than a 5/10, it really, really does, especially because it arrogantly perpetuates a life style contained in this vicious cycle most can't seem to escape, however, while watching it, I never really felt it deserved less, so, 5/10 it is.
Romantic comedy that is neither romantic or comic
codygdietrich25 October 2019
It has good actors that work well together but the plot line is basically that a flat line. It's a little over an hour & half long but feels closer to three hours. It's not romantic and funny nor is it heartbreaking and tragic it falls somewhere in the middle that leads to an anti-climatic climax that leaves a lot unanswered and then cuts to black.
Permission
jackson_ro11 February 2019
A film that is driven by a controversial premise, but the execution feels childish and amateur. It goes about the motion but does not provide a good enough plot to really examine the concept of monogamy. The emotions displayed by every single character feels off and superficial which creates a disconnect with the audience. The film provides an one dimensional, pessimistic look at relationships, but is not controversial enough to capture and enlighten viewers.
Indecent Proposal revisited.
empire3312 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
It's an average movie that deals with an important issue of today's relationships. Unfortunately, names like Gershon, Sudeikis and Hall are not enough to make it a great movie and it's more like a drama than a comedy. There are many awkward scenes and dialogues but overall it's watchable. It reminded me of the much better "Indecent Proposal" from the nineties and the struggle between true love and just an affair with a random stranger. "Don't lose a diamond while chasing glitter" is now more actual than ever and I wonder why would someone break something that works so well only for satisfying a curiosity for an one night stand. Indeed, the two main characters lie each other with "I love you" while each of them has an affair and feels guilty inside. That's not how true love works and eventually they break up at the end.
Awful ending
haranatsutsmdiaa19 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
What the hell.
What wrong with the lady.
She just said yes to the proposal and what happened. They were so happy all the time. They love each other. Why can she just be happy with that.
Once she said no in front of new house, all of sudden the rate of this movie went down so bad. I hate it. I hate it.
Once she said no in front of new house, all of sudden the rate of this movie went down so bad. I hate it. I hate it.
WAIT, WHAT?
js-6613012 February 2018
Long term, exclusive couple test their relationship by sleeping around! What could go wrong? Plenty of course, but "Permission" is more than a quirky, guilty pleasure premise. Heck it's not even a comedy.
As our adorable love birds take their first baby steps outside of their cage, there is, dread, apprehension, fear, but mostly there is excitement. How Anna and Will deal with their suddenly evolving world is decent fodder for a serious movie, yet it is another couple that steals the show. Anna's baby craving brother and his reluctant boyfriend offer up a better plot line. Sometimes juicy don't cut it.
This really is a tale of two couples, and unravelling the daily intimacy and neurosis of both relationships, with some terrific performances, is where "Permission" works best. It's a messy film with a whole lot goin' on, but manages to entertain while posing some interesting questions.
As our adorable love birds take their first baby steps outside of their cage, there is, dread, apprehension, fear, but mostly there is excitement. How Anna and Will deal with their suddenly evolving world is decent fodder for a serious movie, yet it is another couple that steals the show. Anna's baby craving brother and his reluctant boyfriend offer up a better plot line. Sometimes juicy don't cut it.
This really is a tale of two couples, and unravelling the daily intimacy and neurosis of both relationships, with some terrific performances, is where "Permission" works best. It's a messy film with a whole lot goin' on, but manages to entertain while posing some interesting questions.
Tricked by a pretty couple, damnit
sallykeller-5114221 November 2020
This is the reason I always get anxious during opening credits from small time productions or indie size studios.
The writer clearly couldn't decide on what creative choices to make early on, was it going to be another take on an open relationship or a gay drama.
Way too ambitious, didn't work. Cliche beats and fairly mundane dialogue.
There was no arc towards making their important relationship decision, it just happened out of nowhere.
The drama was telegraphed all the way after we're introduced to the cliche premise.
The moral tale doesn't have any redeeming qualities other than an open ended decision by the female co protagonist to free herself to continue the self discovery.
The baby scenes in the park magically appear like set pieces. Did he have to stalk the area until the Father and son showed up? This just added to the lack of believability. Are we really meant to believe a girl that has been with one man soon after is shagging strangers within 2mins of meeting them in quick succession?
If this was a college project I'd say it was a good start, but this film made it to subscription TV
The writer clearly couldn't decide on what creative choices to make early on, was it going to be another take on an open relationship or a gay drama.
Way too ambitious, didn't work. Cliche beats and fairly mundane dialogue.
There was no arc towards making their important relationship decision, it just happened out of nowhere.
The drama was telegraphed all the way after we're introduced to the cliche premise.
The moral tale doesn't have any redeeming qualities other than an open ended decision by the female co protagonist to free herself to continue the self discovery.
The baby scenes in the park magically appear like set pieces. Did he have to stalk the area until the Father and son showed up? This just added to the lack of believability. Are we really meant to believe a girl that has been with one man soon after is shagging strangers within 2mins of meeting them in quick succession?
If this was a college project I'd say it was a good start, but this film made it to subscription TV
painful inscrutarity
matthieubrandt-9756113 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This film shows how pathetic you are.
a couple has been together since childhood
their gay friends convince anna to go to bed with other men. her husband pretends to like it
they decide to do it and walk the painful road.
a couple has been together since childhood
their gay friends convince anna to go to bed with other men. her husband pretends to like it
they decide to do it and walk the painful road.
Don't waste your time people!
gogismile8 April 2019
The plot is just too controversial. Doesn't make any sense. The woman is too messed up to know what she wants. Ugh! Complete waste of time! And on top of that it leaves you with a disgusting feeling in your mouth that love actually does not exist - it's all matter of interests.... 2 stars for the good actors, no more.
good movie
karolinaprzeracka22 March 2018
This movie is really good, but I think you have to look at it from a bit different perspective...It is about growth, human's needs, different points of view of the main characters. I would say it says a lot about times which we live, about relationships, sometimes perversely.
I just regret the promotion sucks, it could and should have better reviews.
A predictable romantic comedy
Gordon-116 October 2018
This film tells the story of a couple who decides to open up their relationship on the suggestion of their mutual friend.
"Permission" is a predictable romantic comedy, I could just tell how the film will end after watching the first scene. The process of getting to the end scene is quite pleasant, with a lot of eye candy and nice portrayal of how the new arrangement may or may not be working.
"Permission" is a predictable romantic comedy, I could just tell how the film will end after watching the first scene. The process of getting to the end scene is quite pleasant, with a lot of eye candy and nice portrayal of how the new arrangement may or may not be working.
Fair to Middiling
bshaef3 September 2021
Boring plot, awful characters
michroberto12 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
If you are expecting an intelligent, interesting take on ethical non monogamy... this film is not it. At a dinner one of the four main characters gets drunk and berates the main couple for only ever being with each other. Then he seems surprised and angered when they take what he says seriously.
I realize it's just a movie but the fantasy that everyone you meet will not only want to have sex with you but will be an amazing person and great in bed too? Haha The quickie Will has with the bartender is the most realistic fling.
The only character I had any real sympathy for was Dane. She should have told him the situation from the beginning. I'm sure he would have slept with her anyway.
I realize it's just a movie but the fantasy that everyone you meet will not only want to have sex with you but will be an amazing person and great in bed too? Haha The quickie Will has with the bartender is the most realistic fling.
The only character I had any real sympathy for was Dane. She should have told him the situation from the beginning. I'm sure he would have slept with her anyway.
Waste of time
emmanuellaezinne13 April 2020
Good but with a flaw
Delrvich7 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Didn't ring true. It was a bit incredulous. Should have been some kind of horror movie instead. "Wham bam" Will (Stevens) was just far too willing and cooperative to let Anna (Hall) commence their open relationship. And, warmly welcomed her after having gone to bed with someone they had just met. He bedsa customer, Lydia (Gershon) a few times but Anna takes some getting used to the idea. Yadda yadda yadda. Its at this point they both can see they were just settling for second best with their own relationship and better off with others. Yet, for some reason, they run back to each other, decide to marry, but , Anna realzies its all too "perfect" and leaves Will.
The story would have been more realistic had 1. Anna discovered Will or she herself was a closested sex pervert 2. it been done like Annie Hall - love, fool around split up, meet years later 3. or just realized they loved each other too much to have an open relationship.
This way was way too hard to believe.
The story would have been more realistic had 1. Anna discovered Will or she herself was a closested sex pervert 2. it been done like Annie Hall - love, fool around split up, meet years later 3. or just realized they loved each other too much to have an open relationship.
This way was way too hard to believe.
Great acting, some great scenes - doesn't quite add up
mccarthy_shaun-8115629 July 2018
Director/writer Brian Crano has assembled an excellent cast. Permission has adults having adult conversations. We watch as two very different couples grapple with managing their relationships and the hardships that ensue when one person (or both) deviate from "the plan". Crano allows his characters to be smart, stupid, loving, selfish ... that is, real people. Rebecca Hall steals the show and yet her character is perhaps the least likable of them all. After seeing her here, I will watch her in anything. A scene late in the movie is as real as life and as such is tender, wrenching, and beautiful. So, why only 5 stars? All of these great parts do not add up in the end. The middle of the film lags. As great as the acting may be, I didn't believe the ending. Crano works with his actors and creates great moments. The culmination of those moments, while clearly articulated in the film, seemed trite at worst and less than satisfying at best. Normally such an ending would result in less than 5 / 10 from me (starting from a pass/fail scale). Yet, the greatly crafted scenes and great ensemble acting make Permission worth recommending.
Dull and depressing
matrix110016 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Movie about a relationship between two first lovers.
On a night out with two of their gay friends it comes out they've only ever slept with each other. One of the gay men puts them down for this and says they should sleep with other people.
The film basically revolves around the fallout of this conversation. Will (main character) was going to propose and they were both happy with their lives and sex life together. This doesn't happen after the foible in their relationship is outed.
They talk about their relationship with each other and then convince themselves they need to sleep with other people.
You see them go through all the highs and lows of this until it reaches it's inevitable conclusion (won't say what this is - spoilers).
If anything this film is a warning to people to not get involved with other peoples relationships - especially if they are happy as they are!
On a night out with two of their gay friends it comes out they've only ever slept with each other. One of the gay men puts them down for this and says they should sleep with other people.
The film basically revolves around the fallout of this conversation. Will (main character) was going to propose and they were both happy with their lives and sex life together. This doesn't happen after the foible in their relationship is outed.
They talk about their relationship with each other and then convince themselves they need to sleep with other people.
You see them go through all the highs and lows of this until it reaches it's inevitable conclusion (won't say what this is - spoilers).
If anything this film is a warning to people to not get involved with other peoples relationships - especially if they are happy as they are!
Not my type of movie
zarastar-9889830 August 2019
This movie pissed me off!!! I'm tired of this stupid thing people do that they think just because they have one life they should do whatever they want!!! Like if u are lucky enough to find someone to spend the rest of your life with them then that's it!!! Even if u didn't met others and it was your first choice!!! Don't ruin a beautiful thing just because u didn't allow yourself to be bolder... Believe it or not the majority of the REAL life ppl experience monogamy AND they're happy!!!! I guess I'm too narrow minded for this kind of movie smh -___-
Missed opportunity
Ranbl21 October 2019
This movie tries to ask tough questions but avoids having an actual discussion. The characters are just written too superficial. Rebecca hall and dan stevens are both great but we don't actually learn about them much and what actually leads to the end.
Just a missed opportunity. Watch only if you are a huge fan of hall like me.
Otherwise look elsewhere.
Disappointing
shaffer_jamie25 December 2018
Worst Movie Ever!
dewitts-961-6309007 June 2021
The movie gave you the impression that it was trying to make couples question their relationship. That true love isn't real and it's okay to sleep around with whoever. I felt it was boring and had a sad ending. Wish I didn't waste my time.
An advance for the "no" in nobody.
mdoliner4320 August 2021
This is a story about two nothings who stumble their way to being nobodies. This must be a new low in weak insignificant characters. Although watching it can make you root for the end of the human race, the movie is a well told story.
Warning! Not what it says on the tin!
bazookamouth-221-8980979 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
My problem here is with the gay couple who had 50% of the movie. I am not homophobic but I simply didn't wish to see two gay men in bed having sex. As for the plot it was so stupid. Stevens/Hall agree to have sexual experiences with other partners which eventually destroys them. Movie was complete garbage. Hated it.
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