In a recent development, the team behind the film Together has strongly contested a plagiarism lawsuit that alleges similarities with the indie film Better Half. The filmmakers characterize the claims as “baseless” and maintain that the two films are “not remotely similar.”
Together, featuring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, was recently acquired by Neon for an impressive $17 million following its premiere at Sundance. The film, directed by Australian Michael Shanks, will be distributed in Australia by Kismet.
The controversy arose when producers of Better Half filed a lawsuit in May, claiming Together is a “blatant ripoff” of their independently produced film. Both movies revolve around a couple mysteriously glued together by an unexplained force, yet Together’s legal team insists the similarities stop there.
Nicolas Jampol, the attorney representing Together, noted significant differences in tone and genre, explaining that Better Half has a “light and comedic” approach while Together delves into “supernatural body horror.” Jampol also argued that the central concept is too broad to be protected under copyright law, citing that similar ideas have surfaced in numerous films and television shows over time. He pointed out that Michael Shanks had registered a script draft with the Writers Guild of America in 2019, which predates Better Half’s submission to Brie and Franco’s representatives.
The plaintiffs, led by writer-director Patrick Henry Phelan, assert that Together not only replicates the premise but also “virtually every unique aspect” of their original work, including specific scenes and character interactions. One notable similarity highlighted was a scene involving a couple fused together who must evade a romantic rival in a bathroom setting.
In response, Daniel Miller, representing Better Half’s creators, expressed confidence that a jury would recognize the similarities and refuted claims that Together is an independent creation. He accused Together’s team of not providing the script registration they claim supports their position.
As the legal debate continues, the critical question remains whether Together’s use of a shared trope constitutes copyright infringement. Representatives for the involved parties, including Brie, Franco, and Shanks, have declined to comment.
Together is slated for a theatrical release in Australia on July 31, bringing anticipation for its unique twist on the peculiar theme of involuntary intimacy.
This ongoing legal battle not only highlights issues of intellectual property rights in filmmaking but also reflects the broader creative dialogue within the industry regarding shared narratives and artistic expression.