The Wasteland Reviewer

Together (2025) Written Review

How close is too close for a couple romantically involved? The new horror film, Together, certainly takes this to a whole new level. Director Michael Shanks focuses this horror film on the tensions present in relationships and the idea of a soul mate and how much frustration and tension a couple will tolerate in a committed relationship. What makes this film even more enticing is the fact that the main couple is portrayed by a real life married couple, Dave Franco and Alison Brie. Together has certainly garnered quite a reputation and plenty of attention with the marketing focus on some of the most disturbing elements of its body horror. Eye lashes… 

How well does Shanks bring these twisted body horror ideas to the screen and deliver on the horror? One of the strongest elements of the film certainly is body horror. The effects (practical and computer-generated) are so dynamic and authentic that it puts its audience in such an uncomfortable space. The choice to focus the body horror on such mundane and “normal” elements as well as intimate ones makes all the body horror so much worse. The act of physical touch, especially between lovers, is so impactful and meaningful and watching these acts bastardized by Shanks on screen is quite unnerving. There is one scene that focuses on quite the intimate act that will have you squirming all over your seat. There are even a few extremely effective jump scares throughout the film and quite disturbing imagery. Shanks leverages so much of this story for scares, and he succeeds quite consistently. The camera work is so precise and dynamic that it opens the door for Shanks to really manipulate and disturb his audience. The film also has a good sense of humor (which really comes into its own towards the final act). Great horror elements AND comic beats…this is quite the engrossing experience. 

Does Shanks screenplay match the impressive work that he accomplished behind the camera? There are a few shortcomings with Together and they stem from the writing. The third act begins to play it a little too safe and deliver too much exposition to the point of over explaining the unnerving and mysterious story on screen. A little more subtle and less direct answers would have benefited the film. There is also a killer final shot of the film…but Shanks takes the film one step too far and ends the film on a clunky note that didn’t need to go there. The strongest element of the screenplay though is the authenticity. The way this couple is in a long-term relationship feels so believable. They bicker. They sling passive aggressive comments. They struggle with intimacy and keeping their relationship spark alive. Both Tim and Millie feel like fully realized people with complex feelings and are desperate for what they need. We feel this from the first set of scenes with them as they prepare to leave their city life behind and move out to the country. There are certainly some tropes that Shanks leverages but Together delivers plenty of fresh twists on them to engage. 

How do Franco and Brie channel real life into this film? You will most likely go into this film without any information on the actual marriage of Franco and Brie, but you can just tell that they are drawing upon real elements to get such a rich and poignant atmosphere. The chemistry between them is palpable and certainly benefits the film greatly. Franco needs to channel a constant fear and sadness underneath the surface. He is also intoxicated quite often in the film (acknowledged with a vicious and biting line from Brie) and Franco makes that feel so authentic. Brie is saddled with a character who is hopeful and smiling about her new career but always has a layer of frustration and anger underneath because of the stunted progress of her partner’s life. When those emotions start bubbling above the surface, Brie feels so committed and real which makes those scenes hit that much harder. Both have a great handle on both the fear and the humor as well. But it is the physicality and commitment to these twists effects that make them stand out so well. Damon Herriman is the only other actor who gets some consistent runtime. He delivers a performance that is mysterious and unpredictable which works so nicely for his role in this twisted film. 

Is Together the next great horror film of 2025? There are some bumpy moments as the film attempts its landing that keep it from being “great”, but this is a darn good film. Shanks delivers an engrossing, unnerving, and thrilling ride with a nice sprinkling of laughs along the way. It is hard to compete with the chemistry that Franco and Brie have and that chemistry elevates so much of the thematic work. Codependency. Toxicity. Relatable in many ways and a little too close for comfort at others. Together will leave a lasting impression on you.