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Parental surrogacy is one of those things that we're all aware of but tend not to think about a whole lot. Not because it's an awful thing (because it's not), but because we tend to associate it with only a handful of people and scenarios. Not helped by the conditioning and societal norms that, more often than not, don't conform with nature. Wanting to become a parent is a noble and wonderful thing in and of itself, so why, if it's something that any given person wants, does it matter so much how that person sets about becoming a parent? So long as the process remains consensual on both sides and each involved party gains their individual and/or mutual goals, it shouldn't really matter all that much. Such is the argument made in today's film, Together Together. A dramatic comedy presenting this very statement about parenthood and surrogacy while delivering an entertaining and thought-provoking story. This could very well be the one-up to Juno we have all been waiting for.
The story follows a middle-aged single man named Matt (Ed Helms) who has decided that he wants to be a father. To accomplish this goal, he enlists the help of a voluntary surrogate. He finds one in a woman in her late twenties named Anna (Patti Harrison), who wants to use the money offered by the surrogacy agency to pay for her college tuition. As the two strangers embark on their strange and uncertain journeys, they develop an unusual friendship that may or may not evolve into something else. How does it all turn out? You'll have to watch the movie.
This is one of those films where the less you know about the situation, the greater your experience. What I will say is that this film delivers a witty narrative with textured characters, well-timed jokes, and an ending that is both emotionally satisfying and narratively appropriate while subverting expectations.
Writer & director Nikole Beckwith delivers a compelling narrative that explores an often under-explored area of parenthood: that of a man desiring to become a single parent. More often than not, both in the movies and in real life, single mothers tend to get the bulk of the attention. While there is no denying that single mothers are, for lack of a better term, more common in the world, I am happy to see a story that reminds us that, while sadly rare, men can desire to become a parent as well. Speaking as a feminist, becoming a parent is not exclusively a feminine aspiration, nor should media of all kinds continue to portray it as such.
The acting is superb all throughout. The chemistry between the two main leads is entertaining and believable. Their relationship expands and develops in ways that are often not explored in other films of this nature.
The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous! Photographed by Frank Barrera, the images of the film are stunning and fantastic to behold. The colors are bright and vibrant, the lighting is elegant and almost whimsical, and it creates this warm and inviting feeling that makes you enjoy observing every frame. Even in some of the less entertaining moments, of which there are a few.
This is a nice segway into one of my few nitpicks of the film; it sometimes feels a bit slow. While the development of the friendship between the two leads and the anticipation of the eventual child are well presented and entertaining enough, there's really not much in the way of engaging conflict, aside from some moments of typical family drama. That's not to say that the movie is ever boring, just that it can sometimes feel as if it's dragging a bit with one too many scenes of people talking not doing much. Granted, given the nature of the story, that can be expected, and to the film's credit, it does a wonderful job focusing your attention on the characters and their fun antics, but there are a few times when it can feel a bit dull for a minute. Not enough to make the film uninteresting, mind you.
Together Together is a delightful film that reminds us of the universal joy of parenthood and how partnerships can come about in many different ways. It's got well-delivered commentary, excellent performances, and a heart-warming story guaranteed to make you feel good about life.
Absolutely check it out!
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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