Table of Contents
Photo: ‘Together Together’/Sony Pictures
If you’re looking for a new type of romantic comedy, look no further. ‘Together Together,’ the new comedy starring Ed Helms and Patti Harrison, will undoubtedly not only fit the bill – it’ll exceed your expectations. The film follows a single, middle-aged man named Matt who wants to start a family, a new chapter in his life. He hires a 26-year-old woman named Anna to be his surrogate, and over the course of her pregnancy, they develop an odd beat friendship that proves even more valuable than romantic love. ‘Together Together’ premiered at Sundance Film Festival with glowing reviews and was just released in theaters worldwide.
Related article: The Complete List of 2021 Oscar Nominations – Celebrations, Surprises & Snubs | The Show Must Go On
Related article: April Movies Release Schedule: The Most Accurate List of Every Movie Coming Out in April – Live Updates
Platonic Love: Just as Important as Romance
At the center of ‘Together Together’ is the relationship between Matt and Anna – which begins with a very formal employer/employee dynamic. After all, Anna is being hired to carry Matt’s child. However, over time, the two begin to find similarities with each other and soon strike up a great friendship. Though they come from different backgrounds and are wildly different ages, they both identify with the other’s loneliness and sense of self. They are also able to learn from the other’s differing life experience – which comes from generational, gender, and age gaps. And on the surface, both Matt and Anna have a lovable awkwardness to them that makes their friendship seem so real and authentic – an honest representation of how friendship can come when we least expect it.
Furthermore, perhaps the greatest thing about this friendship is that it is never tinged with any sort of sexual undertones. These boundaries are never crossed – even toyed with for the sake of exhibitionism – which is unusual to see in an industry that loves to pair older men with younger women. In fact, the film even comments on the inappropriateness of this practice in a scene where Anna chastises both Woody Allen and the wide relationship age gaps that regularly appear in his films. This type of “fantasy” is simply immoral and should be treated as wrong – because in real, non-movie life, it is.
In this way, ‘Together Together’ feels like an unexpected, fresh film. But it also feels normal, as if it is correcting some sort of error on the industry’s part. Matt and Anna are simply friends, and as she is carrying his child, there are boundaries not to be crossed. This rejection of romance and sexual tension ultimately makes the characters extremely likable. Amplify that with grounded, funny performances from Helms and Harrison, and you’ve got an incredibly palatable movie.
Subscribe to Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here.
‘Together Together’ – It All Starts with the Script
In addition to upending tropes in the romantic comedy genre – ‘Together Together’ is simply a well-done film. To start, the writing is really wonderful, thanks to powerhouse Writer/Director Nikole Beckwith. The script has such a comedic yet honest tone that really makes it likable from the get-go. It’s not overtly trying to be funny, but rather feels like the natural sort of humor one experiences in everyday life – all awkwardness included. The dialogue and rapport make the film feel smart, with no time wasted, and the total running time clocks at just an hour-and-a-half. This gives the impression that there’s no silly business in the movie; it’s making sure it says exactly what it wants to say, in the least number of scenes possible. It isn’t superfluous – in an odd way, it feels like it’s respecting audiences’ time and intellect.
Not only that, but the world of the story is populated with such endearing characters too. Even the smaller ones, such as a therapist played by Tig Notaro or a coffee barista played by Julio Torres, have a great sense of charm. They do a wonderful job of supporting Matt and Anna’s story, while still shining in their respective scenes. One fun fact about the film is that most, if not all of its actors, come from stand-up comedy backgrounds, which could definitely be a reason why the film is so effortlessly funny throughout.
Of course, Beckwith should also be applauded for ‘Together Together’s’ unique premise itself, which already gives the film a huge draw. All in all, this feels like a story we haven’t seen before, in a really good way.
Related article: The Power of Positivity: Ikorodu Bois + Chris Hemsworth + Russo Brothers + Sam Hargrave
Limited Time Offer – FREE Subscription to Hollywood Insider
The Perfect Time for a Film Like This
Something unique about ‘Together Together,’ compared to other films released as of recent, is that it is exclusively playing in theaters. That’s right – you won’t be able to find it on any streaming platforms (at least until the theatrical window closes). So, the question is – is it a movie worth going to the theater for?
If the former part of this review hasn’t convinced you yet, the answer is an overwhelmingly yes. Of course, this is assuming that theaters are open in your area and you are able to safely attend. For one, the film is an uplifting and positive story that will make you smile throughout. It’s based on the very best parts of the human experience, as well as the beauty and excitement of new life. It highlights friendship and platonic love, which is something that we’ve all felt to be important in our lives, but perhaps haven’t seen it reflected in film. Ultimately, this is a great film to watch as we come out of the bleak COVID-19 world and look toward a more hopeful, fruitful future.
Related article: Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase: “The Importance of Venice Film Festival as the Protector of Cinema”
Related article: The Masters of Cinema Archives: Hollywood Insider Pays Tribute to ‘La Vie En Rose’, Exclusive Interview with Director Olivier Dahan
Furthermore, there are a plethora of other reasons why going out to watch ‘Together Together’ would be a great night out and a reintroduction to the movies. It’s a way to support your local theaters, which have been shut down for over a year due to the pandemic. With the closure of small movie chains such as the beloved Arclight in LA, the threat of theaters closing forever is very real, even as COVID-19 restrictions begin to be lifted. It’s also a way to support independent films – with ‘Together Together’ being a fairly small and empathetic story. And lastly, it’s a way to support female filmmakers, with the movie being written and directed by the incredible Nikole Beckwith.
Whatever it is, there are many reasons why ‘Together Together’ is the film we need right now. So, if you’re looking for a new type of film, something that feels good and uplifting, this is definitely the one for you!
‘Together Together’ is now playing in theaters worldwide. In AMC Theaters showings, a special Q&A with the director and cast will play after each screening.
By Lana Nguyen
An excerpt from the love letter: Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “Hollywood Insider fully supports the much-needed Black Lives Matter movement. We are actively, physically and digitally a part of this global movement. We will continue reporting on this major issue of police brutality and legal murders of Black people to hold the system accountable. We will continue reporting on this major issue with kindness and respect to all Black people, as each and every one of them are seen and heard. Just a reminder, that the Black Lives Matter movement is about more than just police brutality and extends into banking, housing, education, medical, infrastructure, etc. We have the space and time for all your stories. We believe in peaceful/non-violent protests and I would like to request the rest of media to focus on 95% of the protests that are peaceful and working effectively with positive changes happening daily. Media has a responsibility to better the world and Hollywood Insider will continue to do so.”
Ways to support Black Lives Matter Movement to end systemic racism
More Interesting Stories From Hollywood Insider
– Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
– Compilation: All James Bond 007 Opening Sequences From 1962 Sean Connery to Daniel Craig
– Do you know the hidden messages in ‘Call Me By Your Name’? Find out behind the scenes facts in the full commentary and In-depth analysis of the cinematic masterpiece
– A Tribute To The Academy Awards: All Best Actor/Actress Speeches From The Beginning Of Oscars 1929-2019 | From Rami Malek, Leonardo DiCaprio To Denzel Washington, Halle Berry & Beyond | From Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep To Bette Davis & Beyond
– In the 32nd Year Of His Career, Keanu Reeves’ Face Continues To Reign After Launching Movies Earning Over $4.3 Billion In Total – “John Wick”, “Toy Story 4”, “Matrix”, And Many More
together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together, together together
Author
You might also like…
Lana Nguyen is a writer and filmmaker currently pursuing a BFA in Film Production at USC. Her love for film stems from the belief that empathetic and humanistic stories can help enact cultural change, and is excited to review such releases in film and media. As a young Vietnamese American and Jon M. Chu scholar at USC, she is passionate about diversity and representation in film and hopes to contribute thoughtful and progressive commentary on these issues, aligning with Hollywood Insider’s mission to provide impactful and meaningful content.
Lana Nguyen is a writer and filmmaker currently pursuing a BFA in Film Production at USC. Her love for film stems from the belief that empathetic and humanistic stories can help enact cultural change, and is excited to review such releases in film and media. As a young Vietnamese American and Jon M. Chu scholar at USC, she is passionate about diversity and representation in film and hopes to contribute thoughtful and progressive commentary on these issues, aligning with Hollywood Insider’s mission to provide impactful and meaningful content.
