Michael Shanks’ directorial debut, Together, is a unforgettable entry into the body horror genre, blending thrills with an emotional exploration of codependency. Starring real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie, this Sundance breakout hit delivers a fresh, unsettling, and surprisingly heartfelt narrative that keeps you glued to the screen from start to finish. Shanks, who also penned the screenplay, crafts a story that feels universally relatable, making Together a standout horror experience.
The film follows Tim (Franco) and Millie (Brie), a couple at a crossroads after a decade together, as they relocate from the city to a quiet countryside home. Millie’s new teaching job promises a fresh start, but underlying tensions—highlighted by a painfully awkward failed marriage proposal—threaten to unravel their bond. Shanks sets the stage with a slow-burn domestic drama that deftly transitions into a nightmarish supernatural tale. When the couple stumbles into a mysterious cave during a hike, an encounter with an otherworldly force sets off a chain of grotesque physical and emotional transformations that test the limits of their love.
What makes Together so compelling is Shanks’ ability to balance horror with the emotional aspect of the story. The screenplay is strikingly original, avoiding genre clichés while weaving a narrative that feels like a twisted love letter to both David Cronenberg’s body horror and romantic dramas. Unlike The Substance, which some have compared it to, Together doesn’t overplay its hand with excessive gore or shock value. Instead, it uses its horror elements—bone-crunching transformations and skin-crawling moments of bodily fusion—to underscore the couple’s struggle with codependency, making every squirm-inducing scene feel purposeful.
Dave Franco and Alison Brie are incredible in this, their real-life chemistry lending a raw, lived-in quality to Tim and Millie’s relationship. Franco nails Tim’s free-spirited yet emotionally stunted musician, whose reluctance to commit creates tension. Brie, meanwhile, shines as Millie, a compassionate teacher grappling with her partner’s indecision while facing her own fears of losing him. Their performances elevate the film, especially in scenes where their physical connection becomes literal, forcing them to confront their deepest vulnerabilities.
Shanks’ direction is a revelation, showcasing a confident command of tone and pacing. As both writer and director, he executes his vision with precision, ensuring the horror never overshadows the human drama at its core. The film’s visual style, shot in Melbourne, Australia, is crisp and atmospheric, with the rural setting amplifying the sense of isolation. Cinematographer Germain McMicking’s work enhances the eerie mood, using tight close-ups and muted colors to mirror the couple’s unraveling dynamic.
One of the film’s most striking achievements is its thematic depth. Together uses its body horror premise to explore the idea of losing oneself in a relationship, a concept that resonates universally. The supernatural force that binds Tim and Millie physically mirrors their emotional entanglement, raising questions about identity, sacrifice, and the cost of love. Shanks’ script doesn’t shy away from the messiness of these themes, and the result is a horror film that feels intellectually stimulating and emotionally raw, a rare feat in the genre.
Together is a triumph of original storytelling, proving that horror can be both wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful. Michael Shanks announces himself as a visionary director to watch, while Franco and Brie deliver performances that make this twisted love story unforgettable. With its blend of romance, horror, and dark comedy, Together is a must-see for fans of bold, thought-provoking genre cinema.
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