Alison Brie And Dave Franco's "Together": A Blatant Copyright Infringement?

David

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Alison Brie and Dave Franco's "Together": A Blatant Copyright Infringement?

The charming, intimate film Together, starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, premiered to mixed reviews. While praised for its naturalistic performances and exploration of a relationship under lockdown, a storm of controversy is brewing around potential copyright infringement. The question on everyone's mind: did the film's creators unwittingly, or perhaps willfully, step over the line?

The film, a low-budget indie darling, depicts a couple navigating the challenges of a prolonged period of isolation. Sounds familiar? Many critics and online commentators have drawn parallels to the viral 2020 lockdown experiences shared widely on social media, raising concerns about the originality of the film's premise and specific scenes. The issue isn't simply about mirroring real-life events – a common trope in many films – but rather the alleged appropriation of specific artistic expressions and personal narratives shared online without proper attribution or permission.

The Claim: Uncredited Inspiration or Direct Theft?

The core of the controversy lies in several scenes mirroring specific online videos and personal accounts detailing lockdown experiences. While the film doesn't directly replicate these videos, critics argue that the gestalt – the overall feeling, tone, and even specific dialogue – echoes content found online. This isn't just about the general theme of lockdown; it's about the specific details, the subtle nuances of emotion and expression that feel strikingly similar to specific viral moments.

Several online articles have highlighted potential similarities, with many pointing to specific scenes that seem directly inspired by, or even copied from, various TikTok videos, Instagram posts, and blog entries documenting the unique challenges and emotional rollercoaster of lockdown life. These comparisons are fueling the debate, raising questions about the ethical implications of using online content without proper acknowledgment.

The Legal Landscape: Navigating Fair Use and Copyright Law

Determining whether Together constitutes copyright infringement requires a careful examination of several legal factors. Under US copyright law, fair use allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, the line between fair use and infringement can be blurry, particularly in cases involving the adaptation of numerous online sources.

The crucial question is whether the film’s creators transformed the original works in a sufficiently creative way to constitute fair use, or whether they merely appropriated the essence of those works without adding substantial new expression. This is a complex legal issue that will likely require further investigation.

The Impact on Independent Filmmaking

This controversy has significant implications for the future of independent filmmaking. With the proliferation of user-generated content online, the line between inspiration and infringement is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. The Together situation serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for filmmakers to be acutely aware of the copyright implications of using online material, even seemingly innocuous snippets.

What are your thoughts? Do you believe Together constitutes copyright infringement? Share your perspective in the comments below.

(Note: This article is for illustrative purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice regarding copyright infringement, consult a qualified legal professional.)