Codependence Leads to Chaos in Michael Shanks’ Entertaining Horror Comedy Feature Debut

If you’re looking for the latest body horror film to become obsessed over, look no further than Michael Shanks’ directorial debut, Together
. With purely entertaining tactics, the writer-director examines codependence in a relationship in a way that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen onscreen. Breaking up is literally hard to do in this bonkers bad dream come to life. Thanks to outstanding committed performances, the screenplay never outgrows its creative concept. There may be a few loopholes in the explanations of the film’s phenomenon, but the journey towards finding the answers is satisfyingly entertaining.

Millie (Alison Brie) and Tim (Dave Franco) are currently experiencing a big life change together. They’re moving to the countryside, away from their family and friends, to begin a new chapter in their relationship. Millie is a schoolteacher who has been offered a new job in this small town, while Tim is adamant about pursuing his musician dreams. With only one of them showcasing ownership of adulthood, it makes sense for them to follow the opportunity trail offered by Millie’s job. They’re unmarried, but the dedication towards making their relationship work is obvious, even after an awkward public marriage proposal.

Even From Its Opening Sequence, Together Invites Us Into A World Of Terror & Curiosity

Before we’re introduced to this “perfect” couple’s adventure, Shanks offers us an intriguing opening sequence to awaken our curiosity. During a search for a missing couple, two rescue dogs find themselves in a cave looking for bodies. With no evidence of their presence, they rest for some water in a nearby pond. Later, the dogs begin acting strangely, until an eventual shot of a disfigured dog appears across the screen. Have they contracted a disease? Has an alien taken over? What was in that water? These questions come to mind immediately and foreshadow some epic horror to come.

Upon arriving at their new countryside residence, Millie and Tim immediately faced challenges that tested their relationship. Tim is consistently having nightmares about his dead parents and hiding them from Millie, while she feels the weight of the move on her shoulders. The only thing left for them to do is take a quaint hike together in the neighboring woods. But, this is a horror film, and in such films darkness and obstructions are around the corner.

In a series of unfortunate events, Millie and Tim find themselves in that same cave we saw in the beginning, catalyzing a series of wild things to come. It’s cooky and downright horrifying, to say the least. But this is where Shanks as a filmmaker turns up the horror and comedy elements, blending them perfectly in a way that is ironically chaotic. In return, we, the audience, are treated to a showstopping experience that feels insanely great and better than it had any right to be.

Michael Shanks Offers A Squirm-Worthy Experience Backed By Great Performances

Alison Brie & Dave Franco Are All In

Away from his friends — with no career, just dying dreams and literal nightmares — Tim is expectedly having a bad time in this small town. His growing discomfort magnifies and manifests in another way I won’t dare spoil, but it speaks to his declining mental health and reliance on Millie. Shanks plays around with Tim’s codependence quite nicely, as we’re forced to watch his inability to separate himself from even being close to Millie. Before we know it, the couple gets thrown into an experience they can’t separate from, and we get to witness and squirm at what happens.

Together is the type of film that primarily relies on the performances of its cast despite having a great creative foundation and script. Luckily, with Brie and Franco at the helm, we’re in good hands. Both actors bring incredible energy to the script that makes you feel for their characters: Brie, with Millie’s compassion that quickly turns to disdain, and Franco, who gives a perfectly chaotic performance as Tim. Together, they are the backbone of Shanks’ feature debut and a big reason why it works so wonderfully. They provide an incredible watching experience through their undeniable chemistry.

For a directorial debut, Shanks hits it out of the park with his delightfully squirm-worthy horror comedy. In addition to being a great body horror comedy, the film excels at conveying the dangers of codependence and reliance on one party in a relationship. The film is elevated by Brie and Franco’s pitch-perfect portrayals. Their clever onscreen performances mesh well in a way that demands your attention, even when you want to desperately look away. And even though the explanations as to why chaos ensues throughout Together are lacking, it’s easy to forgive when the entertainment is just right.

Together had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

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Together

8/10

Release Date

January 26, 2025

Runtime

102 Minutes

Director

Michael Shanks

Writers

Michael Shanks

Pros & Cons

• Alison Brie and Dave Franco give perfect performances
• Michael Shanks seamlessly blends themes of codependence with body horror
• The film is wild and entertaining from start to finish

• There are certain explanations that are lacking, but entirely forgivable