IR Film Review: TOGETHER [Neon]
The idea of togetherness in the modern world is an interesting conundrum especially with more single people of all genders into their mid-40s. It might be a bank of individualism. It might be the continuing element of egocentric society (though that might just be cell phone and social media related). "Together," a new body horror/psychological thriller of sorts starring real life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco tests this in many ways. The two are obviously fans of this genre. They previously worked on "The Rental" which Franco directed and Brie starred in. Here having them both on screen is interesting because of the closeness they share in real life. The mythology of the film in certain ways is a little flimsy but it does create a basis on which the film can run even if the puzzle pieces don't quite fit as well as they should. This is more a character study of what makes one part of the other: psychologically, physically...or even in a co-dependent way. Franco as Tim is a musician who has a connection problem which is not very clear. He has a beautiful wife in Millie (Brie) in front of him and yet there is disconnection.
Brie plays Millie supportive until she is not. This set up of course is part of the whole thing. The film was also shot it seems in Australia so it looks different than one would think (as in no recognizable landmarks). Millie is a school teacher. After a hike in the woods (and drinking some water), there seems to be a pull between them but something inescapable. After a couple encounters it starts to accelerate. There are a couple set pieces: in a hallway, in a bathroom, in a kitchen that continues to up the ante using some interesting make-up effects work. The film is never brazenly gory but it also doesn't pull away. Of course it is about building up to a specific finale, which is more high concept and metaphor than anything else...and that works perfectly well. The film is also extremely economical and the two stars were game for it. The film premiered at Sundance last January with NEON turning it around fairly quickly as this resides nicely in their type of fare while still being accessible. Franco and Brie obviously have adequate chemistry to make it work and the finale is definitely specific and of the time. "Together" is about that closeness but also what makes us individual when the bond is both so specific and yet sometimes untethered. B
By Tim Wassberg
