Dir: Michael Shanks
Cast: Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman
Alison Brie and Dave Franco deliver career-best performances as a co-dependent couple in this gnarly body horror that is both darkly comedic and memorably unsettling
While body horror may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who are uncomfortable with its often gut-wrenching practical effects, it has proven to be an effective tool for filmmakers to convey meaningful themes. These themes can range from the fragility of the human body to the inexplicable societal norms that exist. This has been particularly evident in the success of Coralie Fargeat‘s Oscar-winning body horror film “The Substance”. Fargeat utilised the subgenre to exaggerate the unattainable beauty standards prevalent in the Western world, especially within the entertainment industry. Although this may be the most notable use of body horror in recent times, filmmakers and novelists have explored countless themes for centuries, using the human body as a thematic catalyst. This is because the body has a unique link to our individual experiences, tapping into fears and obsessions that are universally felt.
One film that has drawn comparisons to “The Substance” following its premiere at Sundance earlier this year is “Together”, the feature film debut of Australian YouTuber turned filmmaker Michael Shanks. Following in the footsteps of compatriots Danny and Michael Philippou, who also transitioned from the computer screen to the silver screen, Shanks is also looking to achieve his big theatrical break through horror. Allegedly, he began work on the script back in 2019 but has faced accusations of plagiarism earlier this year following the film’s world premiere. Writer-director Patrick Henry Phelan claims that “Together” bears striking similarities to his 2023 project “Better Half”, which he had originally pitched to stars Alison Brie and Dave Franco back in 2020. I am not familiar with Phelan’s project, so I cannot comment on any specific similarities; however, based on the timelines of when both scripts were developed, it could be one of those rare instances of “shared concepts”.
Set in Washington state but evidently filmed in Shanks’ native Australia, “Together” follows turbulent couple, Millie (Brie) and Tim (Franco), as they move to the countryside when Millie lands a teaching job away from the city. Tim has become emotionally distant following the traumatic passing of his parents, which leads to an uncomfortable moment during their farewell party when Millie proposes to him, and he hesitates to respond.
Aware that he is not fulfilling Millie emotionally or sexually, Tim suggests that they go for a walk in the forest close to their new home. However, they fall into a cave during a rainstorm. Forced to wait out the storm overnight, Tim drinks from a pool of water before they wake up the next morning with their legs partially stuck together.
As Millie settles into her job and befriends fellow teacher and neighbour Jamie (Damon Herriman), Tim, an aspiring musician, struggles to cope alone at home. He begins experiencing episodes where he feels an inexplicable physical connection to Millie. Tim’s strange and erratic behavior frustrates Millie, who believes he is suffering from PTSD, but he becomes convinced that the answers to his odd experiences lie in the cult-like cave where they spent the night.
Having seen the glowing reviews emerging from Sundance after its premiere, “Together” quickly became one of my most anticipated releases for a summer that has proven to be exceptionally successful in the horror genre. I believe that horror is as strong as ever in 2025, with my three favourite films of the year—so far—all belonging to the genre. The early comparisons made to “The Substance” heightened my eagerness to see Shanks’ debut feature due to the fellow Neon title being my favourite film of 2024. I can confidently say that this strong year for horror continues, as Shanks has delivered another memorable entry in the 2025 horror catalogue with this gnarly yet surprisingly funny body horror film. Despite sharing a subgenre, it could not be further removed from “The Substance,” which leads me to question what parallels some critics have drawn.
On the surface, you could argue that there are some similarities, the most notable being the grotesque visual of two bodies almost serving as one. However, in “Together”, it depicts the fusing of two people, while “The Substance” does quite the opposite as it portrays one person becoming two. As previously mentioned in my in-depth review of “The Substance”, Fargeat’s 2024 Oscar-winning film dissects unachievable beauty standards and the sexual discrimination women face, particularly once they reach an age society deems them less attractive.
In contrast, “Together” uses body horror to explore themes of co-dependency, fears surrounding commitment, and the complexities of long-term relationships. This allows Shanks’ film to resonate with a completely different audience—those in their late twenties to late thirties who may find themselves in a long-term relationship. They might feel so comfortable with their partner that they unknowingly feel trapped in each other’s presence. The film also highlights how some couples, even if they are not particularly happy together, choose to stick it out due to contributing factors, such as shared financial obligations or parenting responsibilities.
The concept of our two central characters fighting against their physical fusion takes these resonant themes to extreme levels. Yet, like all great body horror, it embeds these themes into your psyche through the use of unsettling and nauseating imagery.
Franco and Brie deliver their best performances in “Together”, much of which can be attributed to the metatextual casting of the couple, who have been together in real life since 2012. Both actors have experience across multiple genres, but their proven track record in comedy enhances the film. Their performances and Shanks’ skillful balance of tonal shifts allow “Together” to embrace the absurdity of its body horror elements, preventing them from feeling jarring or out of place.
While “Together” will undoubtedly unsettle audiences, there is a significant amount of levity that makes the more disturbing moments easier to digest. The lead characters are relatable and evoke sympathy, as both are frustrated by each other’s shortcomings. Tim is a dreamer who still aspires to be a musician despite nearing 40, and he somewhat resents Millie for pursuing a basic teaching job and sacrificing their city lifestyle. Conversely, Millie is unhappy with Tim’s contributions to their relationship; he lacks a stable career and doesn’t possess a driver’s license, which forces her to drive him around. She feels that she has outgrown him and that he can no longer meet her emotional and sexual needs following the passing of his parents. These imperfections illustrate why some couples stay together; they “complete” each other, and without one another, they would struggle.
Visually, the film resembles the works of other Australian horror films, largely due to its evident local production, with many cast members and filming locations clearly being in Australia. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the house and surrounding forest, where the film primarily takes place, were filmed just down the road from A24‘s recent release, “Bring Her Back”, which came out only a few weeks ago.
The Verdict:
Australian horror may have discovered a new voice in Michael Shanks, who has crafted another original and memorable entry into the body horror genre. Featuring outstanding performances by Dave Franco and Alison Brie, “Together” explores the anxieties and complexities of relationships that may have overstayed their welcome in a way that is both hilarious and disturbing.
Together is showing in UK Cinemas from the 15th August
Dan Loves Film 
These two are on a creative tear – bravo to them for having a vision and creating unique art for us
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