- Date of Release: 8 Aug 2025
- Genre: Horror, Romance
- Language: English
- Watch On: Theatres Only
Together
Introduction
In many ways, the new English film Together can be labeled as a coming of age codependency drama, with an arc (amd hybrid of its own). The reason for the same is that the film starts off as an anti-thesis of its title. When you are introduced to Tim (Dave Franco) and Millie (Alison Brie) for the very first time, you already are witness to the cracks and the emotional indifference between the couple. An unsaid backstory is clear within its subtext that the two have been through their share of ups and downs in a decade of love, but the spark of the first meeting has long diminished. Instead, what you are witness to is the remains of a relationship that is soon brushed under the carpet with the pretext that ‘this is just a phase’. In an extended scene, you see Millie’s friend giving her an unsolicited advice on why wouldn’t Millie find someone from the country-side, while dumping Tim. This setup also tells us about a searing fact – that Tim and Millie are on the verge of a breakup, while giving their relationship a final chance to be ‘Together’ by stepping away from the city. And the tension is felt in the aftermath of that scene when Tim doesn’t respond to Millie’s proposal in front of a packed room, owing to a tragedy of recently losing his parents (that serves as the current mode of his indifference). Hence, Together begins at a tipping point of a relationship, that would soon blossom in the most twisted manner possible.
Story & Screenplay
An interesting case point of Together remains the characterization – Millie is a school teacher who has found a new job for herself at a country-side school, thereby prompting her and Tim to shift. It remains clear that it is Millie who is the breadwinner of the relationship, while being at the receiving end of an emotional deficit at the hands of Tim. On the other hand, Tim can be labeled as a thirty-something man-child who is still awaiting his big break in the music world. A recent reference of this dynamic can be that of Akash (Ali Fazal) and Shruti (Fatima Sana Shaikh) from Metro In Dino (2025), wherein the cracks of a modern relationship (that one was a married one) begin to appear from personal choices. The only difference remains on the coming of age trait for Tim and Millie – that is ominous in nature and doubles up as a twisted episode of body horror!
The ominous sign of drinking from a pool of water in an underground cave laced with the remains of a church, is enough to form a turning point for Tim and Millie, and their relationship that ensues. Like Adam and Eve commit a sin with an apple, the sin here is in the form of a liquid that is consumed by Tim, only to later experience a gooey and slimy substance that brings him closer and within merging distance with Millie. It is the kind of metaphor that couples die for – of having to ‘stick together’ for the rest of their lives, or even singles searching for their ‘better halves’, that drastically claims the high concept of this body horror. The hint of the same is given through the sudden disappearance of another couple that Tim stumbles upon, on the internet – even as weirder incidents begin impacting him.
If you look closely, the underlying subtext remains that of attraction and physicality, given how you witness Tim who suddenly cannot keep his hands off Millie, after an extended passage of an emotional void. The concept of codependency acts as a parallel here, even as you are acquainted with the fact that Tim doesn’t hold a licence and that he needs to be driven around by Millie – a direct commentary on their relationship wherein Millie is the one holding fort. And yet when the body horror element kicks in – once during the cave, another time during a school bathroom, and lastly, at their new home, it also is symbolic on the wear and tear of a relationship, that the couple endure in trying to be together (in this case literally too). The idea of being ‘thirsty’ without the presence of the other, and the need to ‘stay connected’ blossoms into two parallel concepts – one involving how a relationship changes the individuality of people, and the second being the continued need for codependency and commitment.
There are two ways to look at the third wheel in the new lives of Tim and Millie – Jamie (Darmon Herriman). When you are first introduced to him, you see him as this sincere person who would potentially be an automatic romantic candidate for Millie, given her rocky relationship with Tim. You see a noticeable discomfort on Tim’s part when Jamie visits them for the first time. In another incident, you see Jamie being deliberately ignorant to Millie’s s*xual encounter with Tim in a school bathroom, passing it off as ‘a woman on her periods’. But the hindsight of Jamie reveals a different picture of evolution – something that is based on Aristophanes’s theory of nature and evolution. There is a mild religious angle tagged to the character that would enter into a spoiler territory – so this is where I stop!
The final act is essentially the pieces of the concept coming together, in an enthralling but visually beautiful climax that had me in awe of the visuals and the art of linking the loose ends of the drama. It spoke so much about seeking the better half in a more philosophical manner, while never losing sight of the body horror elements (oh yeah, you do need a strong gut to sit through this one), that eventually completes the arc of this coming of age arc on a modern day relationship. It is one of those passages that you are better off watching than reading, something that sums up the screenplay that is fabulous to witness with twisted and heart-pounding results!
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are mostly conversational with subtle traces of philosophy, evolution and religion injected at vital moments in the screenplay. And in that regard, the lines go perfectly with the themes of the drama. The BGM is used sparingly but effective in creating an ambience of intrigue, given how it plays with the isolated setting of the woods, something that translates into an ominous presence with the specific setting of a cave. The sound design is pitch perfect during some sudden jump-scare moments, wherein the timing remains perfect. The cinematography is gruesome, particularly with the body horror set-pieces that will make your gut churn to the core. The unhinged nature of the frames also transcends into a psychological space with objects such as a chainsaw being used in a scene, with no restrictions on blood or gore. The editing is immaculate, building on the tempo of the body horror while also abruptly pausing a scene, to ensure a psychological impact on the psyche of the viewers. This, while also maintaining a taut runtime for the drama! Director Michael Shanks in his feature film debut, understands the pulse of a body horror perfectly while never deviating from its core themes. There is purpose to his craft whilst creating an intriguing world and infusing it with interesting characters, that in turn results in a gripping drama. He also doesn’t get carried away with the concept, allowing it to gently land through the gaze of his two characters, that made me realise that the filmmaking was simply brilliant!
Performances
The performances are wonderful to witness by the members of the cast. Mia Morrrissey as Cath has her moments to shine. Damon Herriman as Jamie is sincere with his performance while also admittingly having the potential to creep the daylights out of you! It is the kind of a chilling balance that is maintained so well by him. Alison Brie as Millie is understated with her act, holding her poise before gradually merging herself with the overall theme of the drama. She manages to hold her own while adding some much needed urgency and emotions along the way. Dave Franco as Tim is in top form here – as a trauma-driven character suffering from a personal loss and being in a rocky relationship, to creating chilling moments of body horror. Interestingly, his chemistry with his co-star (and real life better half) is gradually crackling, and that formulates the building blocks of their dynamic too. Collectively, both Dave and Alison deliver stellar performances that has a significant contribution in the success of this body-horror tale!
Conclusion
Together is a high concept body-horror with twisted and heart-pounding results, thereby making it a brilliant watch. It is two out of two for horror films from Hollywood, this weekend – an absolute treat for horror movie junkies who will be spoilt for choices! Available in a theatre near you and Highly Recommended!
