“A wry and sardonic sex comedy…Every shot, detail, gesture, glance, reflection draws us deeper into these three likeable, imperfect people and their interaction.” – BrentOnFilm

One of the most daring films ever produced in the Soviet Union, Bed and Sofa (also known as Menage a Trois) was a major international success even though it was banned in Western Europe and parts of the United States, as well as facing eventual suppression in its homeland as well. This disarmingly funny comedy of sexual politics tells the story of a bored housewife Liuda whose cramped one-room apartment gets even tighter when her husband invites his old army buddy Volodia to crash on the couch. Though at first resentful of this unwanted houseguest, Liuda soon finds herself attracted to the dashing interloper. Soon, man, woman, and lover find themselves living together in a Muscovite throuple. This unorthodox relationship that forms between the trio was allegedly inspired by Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky who lived with his “muse” Lilya Brik and her husband Osip Brik for some years — a fact which contributed to the film’s scandalous reputation. Renowned for its frank treatment of abortion, polyamory, and the role of women in society, Bed and Sofa remains a masterpiece of naturalistic storytelling.

This film is screening as part of Arkadin’s mini-series, LOVE COMES IN 3, spotlighting throuples, threesomes, love triangles, and other romantically complicated trios.

Arkadin does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. However, we encourage researching titles to determine if a screening may contain content that could be upsetting to you. Please feel free to contact us for guidance on specific films. Information about content can also be found on Common Sense Media, IMDB and DoesTheDogDie.com, as well as through general internet searches.