SPA WEEKEND is a comedy about a group of friends who go away on a spa weekend. Chaos and laughter ensue in ways that fans of Bad Moms should love. I know I certainly did. Amazing casting all around is key to how well this movie works. Read our full Spa Weekend movie review here!
SPA WEEKEND is out in theaters, and this is a comedy you do not want to miss. Especially if you love it when women can be real and not just pretty and perfect. Don’t get me wrong, the cast is gorgeous and amazing, but this is also about showing how people actually act and react in real life.
If you like the Bad Moms movies (or the Hangover movies, where a male group of friends is at the center), then Spa Weekend is for you. I always get a few moments where it gets a little too cringey for me, but that wasn’t a huge issue with this one. For the record, none of the main characters are gay, but they’re clearly allies.
Also, I feel confident that several of them have dipped their toes in the proverbial lady pond as well. Just sayin’.
Continue reading our Spa Weekend movie review below. Find the comedy in theaters from August 21, 2026.
Who is the bad friend?
In Spa Weekend, we follow four friends who have stuck together from their teens up to now, when they’re in their 40s. While I say four friends, only three of them really stick together, as that fourth friend (Isla Fisher) is a loose cannon.
We’re talking criminal activities and other potentially dangerous situations.
As a result, they decide not to invite this fourth friend when they agree to spend the birthday of the narrating friend (Leslie Mann) at a spa. Of course, one thing is what they decide on, and another is how it actually works out. As revealed by the trailer, this wild fourth friend does very much show up.
Once all friends are together, the dynamic changes as she is loud and brazen. Sometimes, this can be a good thing and help push the other three out of their comfort zones. However, at a spa, this is not a good match. As much fun as these four best friends have, they are a menace to almost everyone else.
However, before Spa Weekend ends (both the movie and the actual event in the movie), you will probably question who is truly the bad friend in this group.
I loved this cast
One thing is having a fun plot and a storyline that works; another thing is having a cast that makes it so amazing.
Leslie Mann (This Is 40) plays the calm and wise friend who grew up to become a lawyer. She has no time to herself, but with the help of her trusted calendar, she makes it work. Anna Faris (Mom, Brokeback Mountain – yes, really) plays the sweet girl who has grown up to become a personal assistant to a real douche, and Michelle Buteau plays someone with anger issues and a real hot temper.
I don’t want to diminish Michelle Buteau (Happiest Season, Tales of the City) in this movie at all, as I felt a personal connection to the rage she showed in Spa Weekend. It was a bit of a wake-up call to take a deep breath and just “Let it go” as Elsa would sing. Michelle Buteau is brilliant in this and does whatever it takes to be there for her friends.
WANT MORE COMEDY?
Check out Ladies First on Netflix, which is full of fierce women >
Finally, Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers) plays the friend who did crazy and wild stuff, and that has not changed. As an adult, she is a mess, but she leads with love (and craziness) as she fiercely protects her best friends. Yes, even when they need no protection from anything other than herself.
Also, Isla Fisher got to use her Australian accent, and I loved that. Honestly, her crudeness worked even better (and came across even harder) in that fierce Australian accent.
Speaking of Aussies, Adam Devos is wonderful as the yoga teacher who becomes a romantic (or erotic) interest for Leslie Mann’s character. I loved that he wasn’t some 21-year-old kid, but rather a man who could match her. The same goes for Dominic Ona-Ariki, who plays the ex-husband of Michelle Buteau’s character. Such a charming man, but not an Aussie. He does come from New Zealand, though, so in the same vicinity, if you will.
Watch Spa Weekend at the movies
Jon Lucas and Scott Moore are the writers and directors of the comedy Spa Weekend. Yes, two men, and I wasn’t thrilled at first. However, it is obvious from both the movie itself and the bloopers during the end credits that these women were given a lot of freedom with their lines.
Also, Jon Lucas and Scott Moore know how to write women who are all over the place. The duo also created the Bad Moms movies, and I have no problem admitting that I wouldn’t have guessed this wasn’t written and directed by a woman if I didn’t know.
What can I say? These two men must have amazing moms and/or wives, and pick up on both the humor and energy that make female friendships so amazing.
Womentainment recommendation: Great fun… even for gay ladies!
Admittedly, I would have loved it if one of these friends were a lesbian. Both for representation and because some excellent jokes could have been used. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Spa Weekend was a real joy.
As a comedy, it obviously depends on what you personally find funny. And yet I cannot imagine that at least some of the jokes won’t land for you. Also, you will most likely relate more to one of the four core characters. Whether you’re too controlled, too sweet, too angry, or just too much, you should be able to relate to these women.
Spa Weekend is out in theaters from August 21, 2026.
Director: Jon Lucas & Scott Moore
Writer: Jon Lucas & Scott Moore
Cast: Leslie Mann, Michelle Buteau, Anna Faris, Isla Fisher, Adam Demos, Dominic Ona-Ariki
Official plot:
Three friends go on a spa weekend that descends into chaos when their trainwreck friend joins, leading to hilarious consequences.
