Movie Together | $9,043,202
“Together”: A Film About Union, Dependency, and the Fear of Becoming One
According to Cinemadrame News Agency, A new film that has recently sparked considerable buzz in global cinematic circles is Together, a unique work from Michael Shanks in his first feature-length directorial effort. Shanks, previously known for his acclaimed short and experimental works, now boldly ventures into a mix of body horror and dark comedy.
Together had its world premiere in January 2025 at the Sundance Film Festival, quickly capturing the attention of critics and cinephiles alike. The story follows a young couple, Tim (played by Dave Franco) and Millie (played by Alison Brie), who move to a suburban home in hopes of rekindling their relationship after years together. Yet, this marks the beginning of a strange and harrowing journey: a mysterious force slowly and painfully fuses their bodies, presenting a whole new concept of “becoming one.”
Shanks not only utilizes inventive visual effects but also skillfully leverages dark humor and surreal moments to explore the anxieties and unspoken truths of modern relationships. Dave Franco and Alison Brie, who are a couple in real life, brilliantly portray this tension and bizarre dependency. Their on-screen chemistry is cited as one of the film’s greatest strengths and has been widely praised by critics.
Does merging with another person mean the end of individuality?
This is the central question Together raises, sometimes with wit, sometimes with fear. The characters are caught in a struggle between love and personal identity, while the film uses allegory to issue warnings about the boundaries of relationships, dependency, and even excessive sacrifice.
Following its Sundance debut and global release at the end of July, the critical reception was largely positive. Rotten Tomatoes awarded the film an almost perfect score, and many reviewers praised its boldness and narrative execution. Some, however, described the film as challenging, citing its fluctuating tone and occasional obscure symbolism. Nevertheless, the film’s shocking and memorable ending remained a hot topic in media and social platforms for weeks.
In interviews, Dave Franco and Alison Brie spoke of their shared experience acting and producing on the same project. As Franco explained:
“The film is about how, in a relationship, you can sometimes truly lose your own boundaries. We found that idea both terrifying and strangely beautiful.”
All in all, Together is a distinctive and thought-provoking work—a fresh and inventive take on love, identity, and the horror of absolute dependency. This is a film not just for those seeking entertainment, but for anyone looking for a new and stimulating cinematic experience.
The Cast and Crew Speak
Dave Franco (Actor & Producer):
“Performing alongside my wife, Alison Brie, in a story this bizarre and personal, was incredibly special for both of us. We often talked about the boundaries in relationships, and this film essentially brings those questions to life: if two people truly become one, what remains of their individuality?”
Alison Brie (Actress & Producer):
“Some scenes were truly challenging to play. We had to push our boundaries both physically and emotionally. The film is humorous, but it also reveals the harsh realities of modern relationships.”
Michael Shanks (Director):
“I always wanted to tell a love story from a surreal and terrifying perspective. For me, this film is about the fear of losing your identity in a relationship, but also the joy of finding a shared soul.”
Critics’ Quotes and Media Reaction
Tomris Laffly – RogerEbert.com:
“The blend of dark humor and body horror makes Together both hilarious and deeply unsettling. The visual effects, performances, and cinematography are all top-notch. This film will linger in your mind for a long time.”
Rotten Tomatoes:
“The film maintained an almost 100% rating during its first week of release; few movies generate such consensus among critics. The director’s boldness and creativity are commendable.”
The Daily Beast:
“This film challenges viewers not just technically, but emotionally as well. There are moments when you’re not sure whether to laugh or feel terrified. The ending will be a subject of conversation for a long time to come.”
Social Media Reactions
One Reddit user wrote after watching the film:
“I’ve never seen anything like this in cinema. It was strange, funny, and terrifying all at once. If you watch it with your partner, you’ll definitely think more about your own relationship afterward!”
