Sundance Review: ‘Together Together’
Nikole Beckwith’s Together Together, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on 31st January 2021, is a heartwarming comedy-drama that examines the boundaries between two surrogate partners and how this connection brings them closer as friends. It will most probably appeal to a variety of different audiences, due to the various themes it portrays. Combining parenthood, comedic drama, and a little understood mental condition into an entertaining movie is something that has not often been done before.
The story follows Matt (Ed Helms), a single, middle-aged tech worker in Northern California who hires Anna (Patti Harrison), a woman in her twenties, as a surrogate mother to his child. It doesn’t give a lot of backstories about either of the characters, and instead, comes straight to the scenario, which is a great choice for a film like this. As their relationship progresses and Anna gets closer to delivering their baby, they grow closer and more emotionally dependent on each other. It is obvious that both of them have several differences in their routines and personalities but despite the surreal feel to their interactions, the film’s dialogue crackles with cynicism and realism.
Together Together is the textbook definition of a ‘feel-good’ movie. It’s certainly not a groundbreaking movie that will change your life, but it will provoke some laughs and maybe even cause you to get teary-eyed in a couple of scenes. Ed Helms proves that he is truly a great actor when he commits to a role. His delivery of dialogue is brilliant, but it’s actually his comedic role-play that is most impressive. Patti Harrison also delivers a charming performance as a determined young woman who is confident enough take such a bold step. Their platonic relationship is truly delightful to watch. Julio Torres is also very funny as Anna’s zoned-out co-worker, as well as Tig Notaro‘s brief role as a therapist and Sufe Bradshaw as a hospital technician. At some point the story may seem familiar, maybe slightly fanciful, especially if you are a parent. The idea that you can have a person to share a child with, without having to form a romantic relationship is deliciously appealing. Some viewers will experience the film purely at a literal level. If a previous movie has dealt with the challenge and stress of surrogate parenting with this level of depth and realism, it doesn’t come to mind. The movie creeps up on you with a message regarding the importance of dealing with others around you, while also never losing sight of yourself as an individual; all with incisive humor and pulling no punches on being an overwhelmed parent.
There needs to be more films like Together Together. It is wildly entertaining and even formative for some audiences. Despite some controversy stirred up about surrogate parenting, this movie can help improve understanding of what it feels like going through this process. It is not a groundbreaking movie by any means but should definitely be appreciated for what it is: a gentle comedy about the importance of non-romantic relationships, a theme that should be explored more often. The plot may often seem predictable, but let’s face it, isn’t that typical of films like this? – Nabeel Zaman
Together Together premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31, 2021.