‘Together’ Review – Equal Parts Heartbreaking Story and Devastating PSA

Synopsis:

In Academy Award® nominee Stephen Daldry’s hilarious and heartbreaking new film, Together, He, a cocky and conservative entrepreneur, and She, a left-leaning refugee coordinator, spend their time in quarantine wondering how their once hot-and-heavy “opposites attract” relationship has dissolved into rage, resentment and loathing. Against the backdrop of the worldwide pandemic, the partners are forced to forge a surprising new connection as they re-evaluate themselves and their relationship.

When do you know a relationship is truly over? If you worked on the fractured love for just a few more weeks, could everything be worked out? What about a year? The love was obviously there at one point, you just got complacent and forgot to try. Love isn’t simply something you let happen to you and that’s it. It’s something that takes care, patience, comprise, and work because whatever rose your love planted can die, but it could also transform into a garden if you tend to it. However, there is a time to walk away but if you know it’s worth fighting for, fight as hard as you can. Regret is a scabbed-over wound that never scars.

“…the world isn’t going to change.”

It’s time to reflect on and dissect the events of 2020 in Steven Daldry’s lockdown comedy, Together. The film is equal parts heartbreaking story and devastating PSA. It’s said that opposites attract, but I think they must’ve been talking about hookups because some things just don’t mesh long-term. This fast-talking, fourth-wall-breaking dysfunctional pairing makes for a very sophisticated and grounded look at what it’s like to be stuck quarantining with love that may have expired or perhaps never fully existed. Nearly the entire film consists of the maladjusted couple talking directly to the camera. Fortunately, the dialogue is delivered in a witty and poignant way as the film evolves throughout. Delving into the facts, feelings, and the changing world around us during our continued pandemic, the film does a tremendous job expressing a multitude of reactions that most can relate to. It offers honesty,  growth, second chances, and the way we always seem to put our foot in our mouths. Now, I’m not usually one for comparing films, however, these pandemic films I feel have to be, at least on some scale. With there being so many in such a short time and the effects still being felt, I find it a bit necessary.

Subsequently, I think if you put this film against any other similar film, it’s knocking most of them out. Together does many things great but its crowning achievement is its two stars. James McAvoy and Sharon Horgan deliver electric performances. Beginning in a lighthearted manner, a subtle tension builds with each scene and you can talk your eyes off the screen. There is thought-provoking contemplation, tear-inducing monologues, plenty of hilarious moments, and a powerful breakdown of the word exponential. I immediately found myself wanting to watch the film again as soon as it ended. The story may take place in the UK, but the final result is universal. From saying and thinking things we’ve all wanted to say or said over the past year and change to losing loved ones, this film almost acts as validation for how we’ve all felt and had to cope. The film is beautifully written, wonderfully directed, and should definitely be seen. Its rewatchability is high.

Pacing & Pop

The pacing of the film is perfect. The film never lingers too long any one scene as the film moves gracefully to its conclusion only pausing for some profound moments. What popped for me was the well-written and fast-paced dialogue. It felt natural and hit like punches on a speedbag.

Characters & Chemistry

These are two of my favorite performances of the year. The punchiness of the dialogue and the speed at which it’s delivered is impressive and couldn’t be done by just anyone. He (James McAvoy) is a smug conservative entrepreneur who thinks because things worked out in his favor, the system works. She (Sharon Horgan) is a left-leaning bleeding-heart which makes for an interesting dynamic and makes you wonder how the relationship ever worked in the first place.

Together releases in theaters on August 27th, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.

Director: Stephen Daldry, Justin Martin (co-director)

Writer: Dennis Kelly

Producers: Sonia Friedman, Guy Heeley

Executive Producers: Dennis Kelly, Rose Garnett, Gaynor Holmes

Rated: R

Runtime: 1h 32m

Rating: 4 out 0f 5

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-2I2VQrUqo]

Dom Fisher

Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.