Together (2021)

Together (2021). Together: Directed by Stephen Daldry, Justin Martin. With James McAvoy, Sharon Horgan, Samuel Logan. A husband and wife are forced to re-evaluate themselves and their relationship through the reality of the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Greetings again from the darkness. As expected, we are beginning to see an influx of u0026quot;pandemicu0026quot; movies and TV shows. What wasnu0026#39;t expected is the unique and creative approach in this one from Co-directors Stephen Daldry (THE HOURS, 2002) and Justin Martin. The script is from Dennis Kelly and the writing, directing, and acting all work together seamlessly to create quite an unusual viewing experience.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe weight of the movie rests on the outstanding performances from James McAvoy and Sharon Horgan (GAME NIGHT, 2018). They donu0026#39;t simply break the fourth wall, they outright obliterate it. These two characters, whose names we never learn, talk directly to us viewers at least as often as they do to each other. The story begins in March 2020 on the first day of COVID quarantine, and carries through for a full year. As we open, the relationship has admittedly run its course, though as the days go by, circumstances can change things. The two are joined in the house by 10 year old son Artie (Samuel Logan), who spends an inordinate amount of time hovering in the background, hearing the two adults say things he shouldnu0026#39;t hear. They appear to devote very little time to the boyu0026#39;s stress … although their own feelings are front and center.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s a bit off-putting at first as we adjust to the couple speaking directly to us. On top of that, the sharing of personal information and the overlapping dialogue of their caustic exchanges meant to hurt, make this feel a bit like we are intruding. But the conversations are so relatable since weu0026#39;ve all experienced the uncertainty and frustration wrought by the pandemic. In a short amount of time, we understand these two. He shares the story of his early confrontation with a grocery clerk over his sonu0026#39;s food choices, while she explains the guilt associated with an ailing elderly mother during a lockdown. Their u0026quot;mushroomu0026quot; story is certainly one for the ages, and again, provides much insight into these two people of distinctly opposite political spectrums.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDaldry and Martin filmed this in just 10 days, and with the entire piece taking place on the lower level of the coupleu0026#39;s flat, the film has a definite stage feel – accentuated by the long takes and aura of live performances. The dialogue stands in for action, and Ms. Horganu0026#39;s explanation of the reality of u0026quot;exponential growthu0026quot; in regards to COVID is one of the most stunning math classes youu0026#39;ll attend. This is a case study of personalities and the relationship effects of a pandemic, and it is infused with enough dark comedy to keep it entertaining, rather than depressing. Some similarities exist to the SXSW film THE END OF US, though this one is quite a different viewing experience.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBleeker Street is releasing TOGETHER in theaters on 8/27/21 and digitally on 9/14/21.”