Just a Kiss (film)

Just a Kiss is a 2002 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Fisher Stevens and starring Patrick Breen, Kyra Sedgwick, Marley Shelton, Taye Diggs, and Ron Eldard. The film explores the complexities of relationships, fidelity, and the consequences of infidelity within a circle of friends.

The plot centers around Peter (Patrick Breen) and Rebecca (Kyra Sedgwick), a long-married couple who are experiencing a lull in their relationship. Peter, in a moment of weakness, kisses a younger woman, Paula (Marley Shelton), who happens to be the sister of Jamie (Taye Diggs), one of his best friends. This single kiss sets off a chain of events, causing ripple effects throughout the group of friends as secrets are revealed and trust is broken.

The film navigates themes of communication breakdowns in relationships, the temptation of infidelity, and the challenges of maintaining long-term commitment. It attempts to examine the different perspectives of those involved, including the betrayed spouses, the individuals who engage in the affair, and the friends caught in the middle. Just a Kiss received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the performances of the cast and its exploration of mature themes, while others found the narrative to be predictable and the characters unsympathetic.