I Love You Phillip Morris

Steven Russell appears to live a conventional life, juggling a church organ bench, a wife named Debbie, and a badge on the police force. A life suddenly upended by a severe car crash pushes him to admit a hidden truth: he is gay and he intends to live openly, no matter the cost. He embraces a flashy, high risk way of life, turning to fraud and scams to fund lavish experiences. His appetite for risk grows as he learns to bluff his way through ever bigger cons. Behind bars he meets Phillip Morris, a quiet, patient inmate who becomes the center of Steven's world. The pursuit of freedom and a shared future drives him to impossible acts, again and again.

Directed by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra, the film adapts Steve McVicker's memoir I Love You Phillip Morris. The production pairs Carrey and Ewan McGregor in a bold departure for both actors, and the film carries a practical indie sensibility in its 2010 release.

The movie grossed about 20.8 million worldwide against a 13 million budget, marking a modest but solid return for a character driven comedy drama with a distinct tone. It found modest warmth overseas and earned attention for its performances globally.

I Love You Phillip Morris stands out for its candid mix of humor and queer romance, a rare combination in mainstream comedies of its time. Carrey pushes into dramatic territory while McGregor balances tenderness with the film's sly con games, leaving a lingering impression and challenging genre expectations for viewers.

Critics split on tone but largely praised the performers for balancing the film's offbeat humor with a darker undercurrent. The story probes how disguise and desire collide with loyalty, shaping Steven's choices as love complicates every risky scheme, and it leaves audiences with an uneasy, memorable portrait of flawed protagonists.