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Australian horror film Together faced backlash in China after authorities altered a same-sex couple to appear heterosexual.
Screenshots of the original and the edited version circulated online.
An Australian horror film sparked outrage among Chinese moviegoers after advance screenings revealed that a same-sex couple had been digitally altered to appear heterosexual.
Together, directed by Australian filmmaker Michael Shanks and starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, was shown in select Chinese cinemas on September 12 ahead of its planned nationwide release on September 19. But audiences quickly noticed changes to key scenes, with screenshots of the original version circulating widely online.
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In one sequence, the male lead’s nude shower scene was obscured by digitally added steam. More controversially, a same-sex couple was altered, with one man’s face replaced by a woman’s. Dialogue and other references to their relationship were also removed.
Global distributor Neon condemned the changes, saying, “Neon does not approve of Hishow’s unauthorised edit of the film and have demanded they cease distributing this altered version.”
Hishow, the film’s Chinese distributor, has not commented.
Together is a supernatural body-horror film about a couple who move to the countryside, only to be confronted by a mysterious force that transforms their lives, bodies and relationship. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and was released in the US and Australia in July, earning strong reviews and a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Broader Crackdown In China
China does not recognise same-sex marriage and LGBT content in media is heavily restricted. Earlier this year, the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer was altered for Chinese release, with actress Florence Pugh’s nude scene digitally covered by an AI-generated black dress.
Authorities have also stepped up crackdowns on gay-themed content more broadly. Since February, at least 30 young women writers of gay erotic fiction have reportedly been arrested across the country.
China
September 25, 2025, 15:48 IST
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