The theme of relationships in cinema can be applied to any genre, regardless of its specific style or genre. Comedy, romance, action, sci-fi, and even horror are great doorways to exploring the intricacies of relationships. For example, horror can portray the topic as nightmarish or a driving force for the protagonist. However, it’s when we delve into the nuances of love that allow for some great storytelling. Michael Shanks’s Together takes that nuance and makes it a dark body horror twisted tale of toxic relationships and codependency.
Together, written and directed by Shanks, features real-life married actors Alison Brie (Millie) and Dave Franco (Tim). Tim and Millie’s relationship is hanging by a thread when the two move outside the city, as Millie gets a teaching job. The two encounter supernatural elements that are determined to literally bind them together forever, whether they like it or not.
The trailer for Together evokes a body horror aura, and rightfully so. The movie is Shanks’s first feature, and the director confidently uses influences from the likes of David Cronberg to sell the film. The director effectively utilized the absence of sound to create a sense of impending doom and dread. It was followed by intense audio of bones cracking and a horrifying contouring visual that captured the terror of the movie. I found myself sucked in with the feeling of discomfort and being squeamish.
Yet, the level of skill in the direction didn’t stop there.
Shanks wasn’t afraid to showcase levels of horror to really stake his claim in the genre. One scene that comes to mind involves using a reciprocating saw and the director’s use of tension. The s**t is close to hitting the fan when Mille and Tim find themselves in need of the tool. Shanks employs a series of close-ups and medium shots to heighten the tension and intensify the couple’s dilemma. The director fully brought me into the room with the couple, and the experience stayed with me until the end of the credits. Shanks ended the scene in a way that leaned into some of the movie’s comedy aspects in a manner that was much needed.
One of the key strengths that Together needs to succeed is the chemistry between the two leads, and Brie and Franco are well-suited for the task.
Many actors draw inspiration from their personal lives to bring their characters to life, and Brie and Franco do that at an expert level. The chemistry between the two is undoubtedly convincing. The actors approach their relationship in a relatable way that is easily digestible. Tim carries an outlook of uncertainty that reflects my past relationships. It causes me to fully connect with him, all the while making room for Millie’s perspective. Yet, there’s a much greater complexity in several crucial scenes in Together.
Communication is a key factor in any successful relationship, and the writing for the film effectively conveys this in subtle yet impactful ways. There were several moments when I saw how the relationship gradually broke down, almost to the point where the couple might as well be speaking different languages. It’s an excellent feature that shows how toxic the relationship becomes over time, and these two are in personal Hell, even without the supernatural element. Lastly, Shanks’s writing hits the nail on the head as the theme of codependency builds up over time. Tim and Millie reach a breaking point, having learned the wrong lesson and become an example of what not to look for in a partner.
Though Together works most of the time, there are a key moments that almost took me out of the movie. The film has elements of comedy scattered throughout. It’s the subtle jokes and humorous moments that worked for me until a little after the midpoint. Tim and Millie finally understand the severity of their situation, and Shanks makes the movie almost a straight-up comedy. It was a tonal shift that came out of nowhere and proved to be a huge stumbling block for the movie.
Lastly, Tim and Millie come to a crossroads, neither of which looks appealing. Together reaches a point where the director makes a conscious decision to show their fate, and this is where the movie nearly falls apart. The crucial minutes of our character allowed my mind to run wild with the possibilities of the result. Unfortunately, Shanks shows his idea of what happens to the couple, and I think that significantly harmed the movie. A simple “cut-to-black” would’ve given the film a much harder-hitting feel, an ambiguous ending, and would’ve opened the door to discussions about power dynamics in relationships.
The film was a surprise treat that I felt was much needed. The body horror, with a sprinkling of comedy throughout, proved effective despite a couple of minor issues. The acting between Brie and Franco sold the toxic relationship and codependency themes of the film. Shanks’s eye for horror demonstrates that he’s ready to build a name for himself as a director. If you’re having second thoughts about your relationship with your partner, watching Together might help you make any decisions you’re ready to make.