Cousins is a 1989 American romantic comedy that explores an unexpected love affair between relatives by marriage. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film reimagines the premise of a popular 1970s French romantic comedy for an American audience. It was released in February 1989 and attracted attention for its cast and for the way it adapted continental material to Hollywood conventions.

Overview and plot

The story follows two people brought together through family connections who begin an affair despite existing relationships and social expectations. The narrative balances comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt moments as the characters reassess their commitments and desires. Rather than relying on slapstick, the film emphasizes romantic complications and the emotional consequences of unconventional choices.

Cast and characters

  • Ted Danson as Larry, one of the central figures drawn into the romance.
  • Isabella Rossellini as Maria Hardy, whose chemistry with Larry drives much of the drama.
  • Sean Young as Tish, another key player in the love triangle.

The ensemble performance and the interplay among these leads were frequently noted in contemporary accounts. Supporting characters provide family context and comic counterpoint, framing the main couple’s choices within a larger social circle.

Origins and production

Cousins is a version of the French film Cousin Cousine, adapted to English-language audiences and American settings. The original French picture was known for its frank but lighthearted treatment of adult relationships; the 1989 remake preserves that tone while changing cultural details to suit a different market. Joel Schumacher, who by then had established a varied directing career, brought a mainstream sensibility to the project.

Reception and legacy

Upon release the film received mixed-to-positive notices from reviewers, who praised certain performances and the romantic chemistry but sometimes found the adaptation uneven. For contemporary reviews and aggregated critical responses see general review sources linked below. Over time the movie has been discussed as an example of late-1980s romantic comedy and of Hollywood remakes of foreign films.

For further reading and primary sources about the director, original French film and principal cast, consult dedicated pages and retrospective pieces: original film, director, lead actor, lead actress, supporting actress, and contemporary critical reviews.