Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Hot off the success of “ The Substance”, rookie director Michal Shanks helms a similar project with just as much bite. “Together” examines relationship dynamics in a unique way, where couple Tim and Millie are in a tough spot. They are ten years into their relationship, where Tim is trying to live out a longshot dream and Millie wants to progress in their relationship. They decide to move to the countryside so that Millie can accept a new teaching position. While exploring their new home, they encounter a cave with a mysterious past. As time passes, tensions begin to flare and their behavior becomes more erratic. They are seemingly being drawn to one another in an intense way…mentally and physically. Can Tim and Millie figure out what is happening to them before this force takes hold of them?
Positives:
Horror continues to be the most exciting genre in film. It explores thoughtful themes while creating a worthwhile story on a reasonable budget. It produces movies that don’t need to make hundreds of millions of dollars to be profitable and still has surprises for its audience. “Together” is one of those movies that takes inspiration from other stories in the genre while feeling extremely fresh. We get to see relationship dynamics examined in a modern way, where a couple has been together for a long time but the idea of marriage is a touchy subject. The temptations of living out a dream for one person collides with the idea of getting serious and starting a family with the other. These complications are even more prominent with modern couples as the idea of getting spiritually and financially bound has become more complex. These ideas are at the center of Tim and Millie’s relationship, where they have lost the luster in their dynamic as their ambitions grow in different directions. At the same time, they still care for one another but don’t know how to address each other’s feelings properly.
Dave Franco and Alison Brie do great work here, convincing us of this passionate but flawed relationship between Tim and Millie. Their real life marriage allows them to connect on an even deeper level in these roles. As the horrible circumstance with the curse begins happening to them, their emotionally charged performances convey the intense feelings they both have. Credit to them both for their commitment in these roles. Michael Shanks does a nice job directing the film too. He knows when to let a scene breathe and linger in the dread. At the same time, he is able to show us the deeply human side of these characters. We want what’s best for them both, whatever that future may be. He also develops tension well, especially when the body horror begins taking effect. There are some wince inducing scenes that are likely to make audiences squirm in their seats as the curse gets stronger. This is certainly a film worth seeing that earns its place in the body horror genre.
Negatives:
Michael Shanks gets a lot right in his directorial debut. But there are a few details that could have catapulted “Together” into the elite territory. The main area that the story struggles with is clarity in what is going on with the curse. There is a lot of lore teased throughout the film connecting to the curse’s origin, what the reasoning for its existence is, and how it ties into the main themes of the story. The story could have benefitted from some stronger emphasis on the history of the curse as it ties into its connection with couples. In the same vein, the conclusion of the film ends on a note that isn’t as shocking or effective as it could have been. The way the couple was able to be reflective about their relationship got stronger as the film went on, so a conclusion that was equally as strong would have left a greater impression by the end.
Conclusion:
“Together” is a crazy ride through and through. It is a thoughtful meditation on relationship dynamics, codependency, and the ability to navigate through difficult circumstances with a couple that has been together for a long time. The small scale story works wonderfully with the performer’s abilities, capturing their real life chemistry in their character work. The tension is cranked up throughout the story and is satisfying on many levels. A lack of clarity on certain elements of the curse doesn’t hinder the many successes of the film. This is certainly worth seeing if some gnarly body horror won’t be too disturbing.