Horror Film 'Together' Faces Censorship in China for LGBTQ+ Content

In a surprising turn of events, the horror film Together, released in 2025, has been pulled from cinemas in China due to an "unauthorised" edit that removed a gay couple from the movie. The film, which has been a moderate box office success globally, faced unexpected censorship that has sparked discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in media and the use of technology to alter creative works.

Neon, the production company behind Together, has taken a firm stand against the unauthorised version that was distributed by Chinese distributor Hishow. The company issued a statement on September 24, demanding the cessation of the altered film's distribution. According to reports, the controversial edit involved using AI technology to change a brief gay wedding scene, effectively altering the couple from gay to heterosexual.

The Controversial Edit

The scene in question features a wedding between two male characters, portrayed by actors Charlie Lees and MJ Dorning. However, in the Chinese version, AI was reportedly used to swap the face of one of the grooms with a woman's, thus changing the nature of the relationship depicted in the film. This alteration was first noticed by viewers attending a screening in mainland China on September 12, who quickly pointed out the changes on social media.

Cinema-goers and film critics alike expressed their dismay at the changes. One viewer noted that the edit "definitely makes the film make less sense," highlighting how the changes disrupted the narrative of the movie. Another commentator on the film-rating site Douban remarked that the AI-based censorship was "disrespectful" to the original work and the LGBTQ+ community.

Impact and Response

The backlash over the edited version was significant, leading to the film being entirely pulled from Chinese cinemas less than two weeks after its release on September 12. Despite its removal from Chinese theaters, Together continues to perform well in other markets, boasting a top ten spot at the US box office and earning over $32 million worldwide. The film has also received an impressive 90% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Chinese censorship laws, particularly those introduced in 2016, have frequently targeted LGBTQ+ content in media, television, and films. These regulations are outlined in the General Principles for the Production of TV Drama Content, which have led to several major international films being edited or key scenes removed. Notably, the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody had references to Freddie Mercury’s homosexuality and his battle with AIDS removed in its Chinese release, while Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore had scenes that referenced a gay relationship cut.

Broader Implications

The censorship of Together is the latest in a series of actions against LGBTQ+ representation in China. In 2021, authorities announced plans to crack down on portrayals of effeminate men in media. Further examples of censorship include reports from a 2023 pop concert by A-Mei, where fans claimed that rainbow clothing was banned, and LGBTQ+ themes were removed from the setlist.

Chinese authorities have also targeted LGBTQ+ literature, with more than 30 people arrested in July for writing and publishing danmei—a genre of literature focusing on LGBTQ+ erotic stories. These actions, which can carry penalties of over 10 years imprisonment, reflect the ongoing tension between the Chinese government’s stance and public opinion.

Despite these restrictive laws, surveys indicate that a significant portion of the Chinese population supports LGBTQ+ rights, suggesting a disconnect between public sentiment and governmental policy.

As debates around censorship and LGBTQ+ representation continue, the case of Together highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers and the creative compromises sometimes imposed by international market demands.

We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in this important conversation. Please remember to keep discussions respectful and considerate of diverse perspectives.