Untogether

Untogether is a 2018 American drama movie directed by Emma Forrest. The film stars Jamie Dornan, Lola Kirke, Jemima Kirke, and Ben Mendelsohn that entwines the narrative of modern love in contemporary Los Angeles with a poignant exploration of self-discovery, personal growth, and the intricacies of relationships. It marks the directorial debut of British novelist Emma Forrest. She also authored the script, which brings the complexities of human connections to life in a raw yet relatable manner.

The narrative primarily revolves around the lives of two sisters – Andrea (Jemima Kirke) and Tara (Lola Kirke). Andrea, an erstwhile teen prodigy turned heroin addict trying to be a writer, is a woman of extreme contradictions. On one hand, she is intelligent, witty, and sharply observant. On the other hand, she is aimless and self-destructive, struggling to break away from her addictive habits. Jemima Kirke expertly juggles the various aspects of this complex character, offering a well-rounded portrayal.

Tara, on the other hand, is a quick-witted massage therapist dating a middle-aged rabbi (played by Ben Mendelsohn). Despite the seeming stability of her relationship, Tara craves more, creating a sense of tension as her path intersects with her sister’s chaotic world. Lola Kirke brings a grounded warmth to the role, and her interactions with Jemima Kirke are layered with an authentic sisterly dynamic, with nuances of protection, jealousy, resentment, and, above all, irresistible love.

The paths of the sisters intersect when Andrea finds herself romantically involved with the charming yet guarded Nick (Jamie Dornan), a famous writer. As Andrea navigates the terrain between a fling and a relationship, she is confronted with her own insecurities, fears, and the dread of commitment. Jamie Dornan delivers an exceptional performance as Nick, the deeply influential yet flawed writer. He acts as the catalyst to Andrea's self-realization journey, prompting her to look within and analyze her choices.

The narrative of Untogether is beautifully layered, with individual stories pushing out boundaries to interconnect. Relationships play a crucial role in the movie, but they are relationships that are soulful, turbulent, heartfelt, and unexpectedly profound. At times, they crumble and wither, only to spring back stronger. Each character grapples with their identities, their decisions, and the consequent repercussions. They are all beautifully flawed, striving towards understanding themselves and figuring out their place within their respective relationships, and in the grand scheme of life.

Throughout the film, the city of Los Angeles is more than just a backdrop. It acts as a canvas, reflecting the moods of the film's array of characters. The cinematography captures the nuances and vibes of the city with incredible detail, from the quiet suburbs to the bustling urban landscape, serving as a mirror to the complexities and contradictions of its inhabitants.

Untogether is a film that is as much about personal growth as it is about relationships. It offers an uncensored look at the inner workings of love, achieving a delicate balance between the raw, the real, and the romantic. It showcases the complexities of modern relationships, exploring themes of love, commitment, faith, and individuality through an intimate lens.

The star ensemble cast of Untogether delivers remarkable performances, bringing depth to their respective characters. Each actor embraces their character's individuality and imperfections, breathing life into them. They deliver their performances with an authenticity that allows viewers to connect with their characters on a profoundly human level.

In essence, Untogether is a beautifully interwoven tale of sisterhood, love, and self-discovery. Director Emma Forrest successfully uses her narrative and visually appealing storytelling technique to navigate the intricate maze of love and life. The movie leaves the audience contemplating their own relationships, inner demons, resolutions, and the concept of self-love.

At its core, Untogether is an intricate exploration of love, self-acceptance and personal growth. It portrays love not just as an emotion, but as a journey filled with the beauty of flaws, the price of growth, and the quest for acceptance. It's a feel-around, emotionally charged movie that will appeal to movie lovers seeking a soulful journey into the human psyche and the labyrinth of love, life, and relationships.