Together: 4Ever-Ever?
Dying single probably isn’t all that bad
Courtesy of NEON
What makes a healthy relationship feel toxic? Maybe it’s sticking around out of habit, clinging to routines, or refusing to admit you’ve outgrown each other. Extreme co-dependency (don’t you dare watch the next episode of that Netflix show before your partner gets home)? Waiting for changes that are sure to never come?
Together shows what many modern relationships look like; and some of the reasons boomers loudly judge us. Tim and Millie aren’t a horrible couple, but it is clear that they both aren’t happy. Realistically we should be yelling at Millie to move on with a guy who has his priorities straight and Tim should just find a girl that he actually wants to sleep with from time to time (both literally and intimately). But this is a Neon movie, so we have to make this creepy and strange or else we’ll just end up with a rom-com. The more disturbing, the better.
How Was the Movie?
This movie is a fun watch. There's a good balance of comedy, strangeness, and gore. Body horror isn't particularly my favorite, but if it has an interesting enough story then I can dig it. Last year, The Substance was one of my favorite movies and I absolutely had to turn away often and move in my seat watching it for the first time.
The same happens here, but it’s all for good reason. Together makes you think about people who hold on to relationships for the wrong reasons. It makes you question if you yourself are being too clingy with a partner and not allowing space and independence.
They manage to show this in the most literal ways possible that are often hilarious yet gross. Add in some supernatural elements, and you have a good balance of “I don’t know what the hell is going on, but I’m enjoying it.”
I will say that I wish the story could’ve been a bit stronger. There were some things that I still had questions about at the end, and that could just be me as I sometimes catch things more on second watches. I was disappointed that this was one of those films where characters made dumb decisions. There’s a moment where a character makes the kind of decision you yell at through the screen, but the plot backs it up just enough that I grudgingly forgave it.Overall, I still had fun watching this movie and I plan on watching it again.
Best Parts About the Movie?
The Comedy:
The comedy in the movie was a good balance of realistic and absurd. I enjoy the Franco bros movies, and Dave and James always do a good job of balancing humor and seriousness. Dave’s wife, Alison Brie, also had a nice funny/serious balance as well. It’s clear to see why they are a couple in real life.
The Actors:
Dave and Alison are great in their roles and it’s interesting to see a real life couple play as a couple that is not in a healthy relationship. You can definitely see the real chemistry when they are getting along with one another. At the same time, the intensity and drama feels real when it's on screen as well. Great acting. I wouldn’t mind seeing them in more projects together in the future.
Is This Movie for You?
If you don’t like body horror, then you need to stay away. That’s my fair warning. Otherwise, if you like horror/comedy mixes then this should be a good watch for you. This isn’t campy comedy horror, such as Evil Dead from the 80’s, but more of a satirical or dark comedy movie.
It doesn’t take itself too seriously but at the same time you can take some serious gems from it. I guarantee that you will reflect on your relationship and you might just flinch the next time your partner reaches for your hand.