The new body horror film Together was a fan favorite at SXSW this year, receiving great reviews like this one from JoBlo critic Chris Bumbray.
The film was purchased by Neon and is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on July 30. Hopefully they can meet that mark because the filmmakers are being sued.
It was the screening at Sundance that may get it dinged for originality.
Producers Jess Jackson and Charles Beale, of a different film, were in attendance and immediately thought something looked fishy. The duo is behind the 2020 independent film Better Half which they allege was ripped-off by Dave Franco and Alison Brie. They contend after watching Together, elements of the film are direct copies of plot points from their movie.
According to Variety the filing states:
“As the audience laughed and cheered, Jacklin and Beale sat in stunned silence, their worst nightmare unfolding. Scene after scene confirmed that Defendants did not simply take ‘stock ideas’ or ‘scenes a faire’ but stole virtually every unique aspect of ‘Better Half’s’ copyrightable expression.”
Even more damning is that Jackson and Beale allege they approached Brie and Franco about their film in 2020 but it was rejected.
The suit continues:
“In both ‘Better Half’ and ‘Together,’ the main characters struggle to navigate daily life as their physical attachment progresses and they start to control each other’s body parts.”
A spokesperson for the defense said, “The facts in this case are clear and we plan to vigorously defend ourselves.”
We will keep you updated as this case continues.
