Screens: Together Together’s a

Baby bonding

Together Together gestates human connection

By Deirdre Crimmins

arts@c-ville.com

The world is always changing, and the stories we tell need to change with it. While the circumstances in Together Together might feel like a modern phenomenon, the emotions and connections within it are timeless.

The film begins with Anna (Patti Harrison) meeting Matt (Ed Helms) for the first time. This is not your typical Hollywood meet-cute, where they bump into each other on the street or mistakenly try to grab the same bunch of flowers at a florist. Matt is interviewing Anna to be his gestational surrogate and carry a child for him. The meeting is awkward, but their anxiousness comes across as endearing. Matt is doing this on his own, with no wife or partner. Anna is young and needs the money, but she’s not desperate. Matt tells Anna he has chosen her, and Together Together gets on its way.

Much of the humanity and the tenderness of Together Together comes from the simplicity of its plot. There are no significant roadblocks or gotcha moments that feel cruel to the audience or the characters. No unnecessary drama falsely enhances the already complicated emotions in their world. Thanks to gentle writing and stellar performances, the film is quiet and paced in a way that gives us time to get to know the characters and their motivations.

Both Matt and Anna are written as honest, forthcoming people who want to do well by one another. Matt wants a child more than anything, and he seems to want to understand Anna’s life. Anna, a little more guarded, is still open and forthcoming, and her relationship with fertility is complicated. Together Together is a far cry from Baby Mama: These are two mature,

APPLE TV

Ed Helms and Patti Harrison exude chemistry as an unlikely pair on the journey to childbirth in Together Together.

reasonable people who have been brought together by their circumstances.

The characters’ connection is at the core of Together Together. There is a push and pull between them as they bump up against boundaries and share their visions of what the future holds. Matt hopes for a deeper connection and more time with Anna and her womb; Anna tries not to get too attached to a friendship she knows is temporary. They each owe it to themselves to act in their own interests, but they’re also the only two people who understand what they’re going through.

Toeing the line between comedy and drama, Together Together joins the club of lowkey films made by very funny people. Skeleton Twins, Adult Beginners, and Obvious Child all let comics show off their acting chops by highlighting vulnerability and human connection. Helms, best known for “The Office” and The Hangover trilogy, has been dipping into sentimental parts for some time. Harrison, the newcomer, started out in stand-up comedy. Both performances are unguarded and poignant. Harrison’s acting shouts volumes in the midst of this quiet film, and shines as she reacts to Matt’s overeager but well-meaning nature.

One aspect of Together Together that does take some adjusting to is the passage of time. Going in, we expect that at least 40 weeks will pass during the film’s 90-minute running time. There is no embarrassing insemination scene or other trite milestones that we are used to seeing in pregnancy-focused movies. While this omission is mostly refreshing, it does put the onus on the audience to assemble the timeline.

Together Together

R, 90 minutes Apple TV

Together Together never asks you to relate to surrogacy or what decisions you would make if you were in this situation. It’s a view into humanity and friendship that results from the connection of two uncommon lives.

Much of the humanity and the tenderness of Together Together comes from the simplicity of its plot.

THE WINEDOWN

WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?

WINERY Guide Map

HARRISONBURG

81 340

AFTON 64

CROZET DUCARD VINEYARD

29

33

STANARDSVILLE

KILAURWEN WINERY

MADISON

15

ORANGE

29

GORDONSVILLE

CHARLOTTESVILLE KESWICK VINEYARDS

EASTWOOD FARM & WINERY

ZION CROSSROADS 33

LOUISA 53RD WINERY & VINEYARD

64

53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD DUCARD VINEYARDS

2020 Rosé Trio In the month of May, we’re releasing our trio of rosés: the Quintessential, Gentle Press, and Barrel Aged. The Quintessential rosé is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and is done in a traditional style of Provencal rosés with light notes of strawberry and lavender. The Gentle press and Barrel Aged rosés are both comprised of Chambourcin, but are fermented and aged very differently. The Gentle press has a pale pink color, with tart notes of watermelon candy. The Barrel Aged rosé has a deep rich rose pink tone, and warming spices accompanied by raspberry on the palate.

We are open 7 days a week 11am to 5pm, offering curbside pickup and for those visiting we have bottle sales only Monday through Thursday and Friday through Sunday offer wine by the bottle, glass and tasting flights (four 2 oz pours). The following areas are available for customers: outside tables, deck off tasting room and well-spaced seating inside our Pavilion. Groups greater than 10 not permitted. We ask that customers refrain from moving inside and outside tables. Children and Pets are welcome but pets must remain outside of buildings. Customers are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, chairs, blankets and glassware. Please note that we cannot pour into glassware brought from home. Please follow entrance and exit signs when coming into the tasting room to purchase wine. Restrooms are available in tasting room and pavilion, one patron at a time. Visit our website, www.53rdwinery.com on our Covid operating procedures.

May 8th- Sauce Catering Food Truck & Live music by D. O’Meara

May 15th- Dave’s a la Cart Food Truck & Live music by Ron Gentry Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm 2020 Shenandoah Black Bear As the Shenandoah National park reopens, we are releasing our specialty Shenandoah park themed wines! The Black Bear is made from 100% Cabernet Franc, this wine showcases aromas of blackberry and black pepper with an herbal background. Welcoming tannins offer a good structure with a spinning acidity. Perfect for your outdoor BBQ and grilling dinners filled with beef, pork, mushrooms, and peppers! A portion of the proceeds is donated to the National Trust for the park. Our uncrowded rural Madison County area has mountains, streams and lots of beautiful views along scenic back roads. The tasting room is nearby many hiking and biking trails along the Shenandoah National Forrest and is a perfect respite after your day out! Enjoy some peace and quiet relaxation in this challenging environment. Sit on our lawns or pick up a bottle or three of our award-winning wines to take home. Reservations available and recommended (especially for Saturdays). No reservation fee or minimum purchase. Walk-ups accommodated on a space-available basis. To order wine for local delivery or UPS shipping, visit our website!

Open daily – Mon-Thurs. 3-6 PM , Fri-Sun 12-6 PM

NEW: Offering tasting flights daily. Table service, well-spaced, led by DuCard staff host, crystal glassware, red, white or mixed flights. An elegant way to get to know our wines. Fridays- Friday Night out at Ducard (5:30 - 8:30 pm) come out and kick off the weekend with dinner and live music at DuCard. May 8th – Second Saturday Concert by Scuffletown (6-9 pm) May 15th- Music on the patio with Kat and the Travellers

40 Gibson Hollow Ln • Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com

EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY

Apple Pear Cider Made from estate-grown and handpicked apples and pears, this cider is fruit forward and refreshing with balanced sweetness and acidity. Honeyed apples and pears are detected on the nose while flavors of fig, spice, and a hint of sage characterize the palate. Available as a sparkling & still cider. Eastwood is a women-owned business created by a group of wine lovers and agriculture enthusiasts producing awardwinning Virginia wines. We embrace the power of storytelling and the vision that there is no ceiling you can’t break. For Women’s History Month, send us your stories! We would love to highlight you along with some of the amazing women who are building Eastwood. We look forward to toasting you in one of our tasting rooms soon! The Barn, home to our indoor Tasting Room, is open on a reservation-basis with a few new menu items including the Red Reserve and Virginia Classics Tastings as well as an assortment of snacks including cheese and crackers, crackers and bars from Good Phyte, fine chocolates from Gearharts, and mixed nuts and clementines. Please make reservations on our website. Our drink offerings also include non-alcoholic options. May 8th- Pop-up shop with Dogwood Tree Florist (12-5pm) May 9th- Mother’s Day brunch: make sure to buy your tickets online early, as space is limited! (10 am – 2pm) May 14th- Live Music by the Porch Dogs (4 – 8pm) May Hours: Thursdays (4-8PM), Fridays (4-8PM), Saturdays (12-8PM), Sunday (12-5PM) The Barn & Veranda and Outdoor Tasting Room are open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Indoor & outdoor tables are available on a first come basis. Couch reservations may be made on our website.

2531 Scottsville Rd. (5 mi from Downtown Charlottesville) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

KESWICK VINEYARDS

2019 LVA Rose 100% Touriga Nacionale. This is a dry Provencal style wine has amplified aromas of freshly cut red berries, citrus fruit and a hint of green apple. The palate is light and vibrant with lovely acidity, good palate weight and length. Flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberries are dominant before warmth shows a touch more of the citrus tones and slight spiciness on the finish. Perfect on its own during the warmer months or paired with shellfish and oysters on the half shell.

Tasting Room Hours

We welcome guests daily from 10am5pm. No reservations are required for open air, first-come, first served seating at our courtyard tables. Guests may also bring their own blankets and lawn chairs and spread out on the lower hillside. Please remember face masks are required for all guests ages 5+ when not seated. Wine is available by the flight, glass and bottle, and only our outdoor areas can be accessed at this time. A selection of pre-packaged meats, cheeses, crackers, and spreads are available for purchase.

May 22nd- Unicorn mini photo sessions with Aaron Watson

KILAURWEN WINERY

Kilaurwen Red A non-vintaged wine comprised of Touriga Nacionale, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a deep garnet flavor and the aromas of cigar and leather. Rich black cherries and spice warm the palate with a touch of tobacco and licorice. This is a great wine to enjoy with Sunday roasts, venison steaks, or while sitting around a late night fire pit! Our season opening will be the weekend of April 17 & 18. Hours will be from noon - 6 pm. First come, first serve at outdoor umbrella tables in our Boxwood Garden. Enjoy the mountain views while sipping your favorite Kilaurwen wines which are available by the bottle, the glass and DIY tasting flights. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic or snacks to enjoy with our wine! COVID regulations still in effect require 6 foot spacing, mask wearing except when seated at tables, and group size limited to 6 people. Special orders are available any day of the week to those preferring to arrange gate-side pick up at a date and time of your choosing. Place order by calling 434-985-2535.

PIPPIN HILL FARM & VINEYARDS

2020 Rosé Our Rosé is both floral and fruity in the aromatics, like a basket of cranberries and watermelon with a few rose petals thrown in for fun. The plush palate of grapefruit gives way to tart raspberry, with a touch of meyer lemon. While this wine is not sweet, the fruit qualities balance out the dry wine, and that makes it perfect for the spring and summer months, chilled and close enough to refill your glass without having to get out of the hammock.

Pippin Hill is a culinary vineyard in the heart of Virginia’s wine country. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made via Resy for indoor and Veranda seating. We do have walkin availability for Grab-and-Go Lawn Seating as well. Please note our staff diligently checks IDs as part of our ABC licensure compliance as well as guest safety. If your party has a guest who is under age 21, we do require you to have a reservation at a table.

Walk-ins are welcome based on availability. Reservations via Resy are recommended for indoor and Veranda seating.

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 11 am – 5 pm; Friday – Sunday: 11am to 4:30pm

Sundays- Live music on the hill! Each Sunday from 1-4 PM, Pippin Hill welcomes local musicians to perform on our Veranda. Check our website for varying artists.

May 7th- Featured Farmer Friday- the Grubby Girl! Visit us on select Fridays from 12-4pm to shop each week’s featured farmer! This Friday, we welcome Amanda of Grubby Girl, selling her handmade soaps and bath products.

May 14th- Featured Farmer Friday- Hanna of You’re In Luck Farm! Visit us on select Fridays from to shop each week’s featured farmer! This Friday Hannah will have her top quality, sustainable, plant-based products for daily life.