Ethan Coen's Raunchy Comedy Explores the Horrors of Modern Dating

In October 2025, acclaimed filmmaker Ethan Coen, known for his collaborations with brother Joel on movies like "Fargo" and "No Country for Old Men," has unveiled a new theatrical venture - a raunchy comedy called "Let's Love!" The play, which had its world premiere last week at the Atlantic Theater Company, consists of three short sketches that explore the horrors of modern dating.

The first sketch follows a woman's attempts to pick up strangers at a bar for casual sex, the second involves a jilted girlfriend hiring an off-duty cop to beat up her ex-boyfriend, and the third depicts what may be the "Worst First Date Ever." Tying these stories together is a louche lounge singer, played by Nellie McKay, who introduces each skit and changes her costume between them.

What's particularly noteworthy about "Let's Love!" is that Coen has written the female characters to deliver the dirtiest, most outrageous lines, flipping the traditional gender dynamics often seen in comedy. This results in the male characters, played by actors like Chris Bauer and Noah Robbins, appearing more reactive and colorless in comparison.

Despite the play's raunchy nature, it has been praised for its sharp comedic performances, especially from Mary McCann, Aubrey Plaza, and Robbins. Under the direction of Neil Pepe, "Let's Love!" offers a hilarious and insightful exploration of the absurdities of modern dating.