Two Bodies. Two Minds. One Story.
Two Bodies. Two Minds. One Story.
Michael Shanks’ directorial debut, Together, is an unforgettable plunge into the darkest corners of human relationships. Through a cleverly unhinged narrative, Shanks uses body horror to explore the complex depths of toxic love and identity. Atmospheric, darkly humorous, and gripping from start to finish, Together is a cinematic experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, Together follows Tim and Millie, long-time partners who have been drifting apart. After relocating to the countryside, they encounter a mysterious force that rapidly reshapes their lives. Soon, their romance takes a macabre turn, as the boundaries between co-dependence and grotesqueness blur.
With a deliberate pace, Together meticulously sets up the lead couple’s dynamic, revealing the cracks in their relationship before moving into horror territory. The film doesn’t rely on jump scares but instead quietly constructs a sense of unease through foreshadowing disturbing dog behaviour, mysterious disappearances, and symbolic bells throughout the forest. As things progress, we learn a strange cult has cursed the couple, and their bodies begin to merge into one. This is body horror that’s both disturbing and thought-provoking, using visceral imagery to explore themes of toxic co-dependency and lost identity. Amidst the terror, dark humour provides tension relief and adds charm to the film’s intense emotional core.
Together is anchored by powerhouse performances from Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie. Both actors bring depth to their characters, with Franco showcasing a raw, vulnerable side and Brie delivering a perfect mix of exhaustion and empathy. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, making the film’s most intense moments emotionally hit hard. Their physically demanding performances help sell the twisted concept, and it’s clear the film’s success is due to their dynamic portrayals. One small misstep was Tim’s and Millie’s relatively calm response to falling into the creepy cave during the storm. They missed an opportunity to display their fear and desperation, particularly in their attempts to escape.
The film’s cinematography immerses the viewer in a moody, rural setting that’s both evocative and unsettling. A sombre landscape of greys and greens beautifully encapsulates the sense of isolation, while the score complements the on-screen tension, shifting between haunting notes. Even the soundtrack’s use of the Spice Girls’ 2 Become 1 is a fitting touch, highlighting themes in a fun way. The reliance on practical effects, including gore and prosthetics, adds to the visceral experience, with CGI used sparingly for scenes like the characters’ fusion. The film also taught me what a rat king is, and the visual is still sending chills.
In the end, Together is a wildly original, full-throttle horror experience that will have you hooked for its entire runtime. Franco and Brie bring a human element to Shanks’ bold and horrific vision, flawlessly capturing the film’s exploration of toxic relationships, co-dependency, and commitment issues. Disturbing, entrancing, and full of surprises, Together is a psychedelic thrill ride, daring to forge its own path in the genre.
