Relationships are complicated. Even the most successful courtships have their rocky moments. Most of us go through a time in our lives where we don’t know what we want, or who we want them with. The in’s and out’s of human connection and our inclinations with love is never a worn-out movie conceit.
First time writer/director Emma Forrest constructs a slice of humble pie, or at least, a story of five people interconnecting, each learning to find their way; some together, and some apart.
Untogether is a bit shallow at times, as it splashes around in romantic waters, but mostly it is a welcome breath of air.
Who Do You Love? Do You Love Yourself?
Love is a tricky thing. Andrea (Jemima Kirke) and Tara (Lola Kirke) play sisters in California that are both in a struggle for direction and romance. These real sisters, unsurprisingly, have a fluent chemistry, the most comfortable pairing in the film. Perhaps that’s intentional, as a level of disarray and dissatisfaction follows these two through the course of the 98-minute film.
Despite being in a committed relationship with Martin (Ben Mendelsohn) a former rock star, who they consistently remind us is her elder, Tara becomes intrigued when she gives Rabbi David (Billy Crystal) a facial. He reintroduces her to her faith and in doing so stirs an attraction. Really, it is Tara’s lack of certainty that has her latch onto this charismatic character.
Andrea is already a bit fledgling in life, having written one novel that was successful, and a former addict. She lives with her sister and Martin in the home (technically a tree house there) that their troubled father left for them.
She is unable to garner inspiration for her second novel, when she meets doctor and memoir writer Nick (Jamie Dornan). Nick has his own torments, and the two begin a rocky romance that’s chock full of jealousy.
Alice Eve has a small role as Nick’s fierce literary agent. Jennifer Grey also co-stars as David’s wife. Untogether has no shortage on talent. Crystal, in a surprising casting, is actually a ray of light within the film. It makes me yearn for him to pursue more dramatic roles. While his character and Lola don’t have a burgeoning love affair, their connection is no less important.
Attractive People, Unattractive Characters
The hardworking Mendelsohn is always a welcome sight, and his character (aside from our main sisters) savors some of the more pronounced scenes. Martin is emphatically in love with Tara, which makes things even harder when she wrenches away from him.
Untogether does handle its pacing well, with a truly refined sense of self. There are some welcome notes of humor, and most of the cast is persuasive. The Kirke sisters are each particularly enamoring to watch, as they are the heart of the movie.
Jemima, striking in pale pink hair and retro-inspired outfits, and Lola, more mellow, but also more reluctant to admit her faults, are each unique. These girls are a bit selfish, a bit dishonest, but very enjoyable to watch. In a lot of ways, the men, while entertaining and perpetrated by very apt actors, are the weak link. The affairs are just not as engaging as these two women. Dornan especially, though his story has an interesting twist, has less weight.
The script, written by Emma Forrest, has a sophisticated poise. There’s plenty of internal brawls, interspliced with the sometimes-raw emotions of these entanglements. She also uses some terrific choices with music. One song in particular, R.E.M’s Shiny Happy People, gets a spotlight.
These are unhappy people, and as you watch them over the course of the film, that barely shifts. The film nearly discourages you to like them, as these troubled souls flitter through strange comedic timings, and too-on-the-nose poetic musings. However, it doesn’t pretend these characters are immaculate. Some might find the movie to be a bit lethargic, but it eventually finds its way.
Conclusion: Untogether
Untogether could have been much more than it ultimately was, but this account of the variabilities of love proved engrossing. Sometimes, that’s enough. At the very least, Emma Forrest announces her feature film presence in a loud and concise voice. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
For this Valentine’s Day, if you’re searching for a romantic comedy that focuses more on the muddy journey versus a mirage of perfection, this might be the one for you.
What did you think? Was the story meaningful enough for you to look past any of the dull or unlikable moments? Let us know in the comments below!
Untogether was released in theaters on February 8th and is available by video on demand.
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