when “together forever” takes on a perverse dimension

Criticism of Togetherthe Australian body horror film written and directed by Michael Shanks starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco. Premieres October 31.

Good show they offer Alison Brie (Roar) y Dave Franco (The Studio) in the roles of a couple in crisis who will discover if their love is unconditional or they just have a relationship of toxic dependency that binds them inexorably to each other. In Together Practical and digital special effects are as important as their performances to bringing the film to a successful conclusion.

After having developed his career in the world of short films, video creation and television series, Michael Shanks jumps into the feature film with a film with a simple concept but much deeper echoes than it seems at first.

It is a body horror movie that in 102 minutes of footage explores a good handful of important questions such as couple relationships, the need for self-realization and emotional independence of each person, affection, dedication or submission.

It has its share of drama and also its counterpart of black humor, but it uses above all its ability to make the viewer uncomfortable to dissect what unites and separates us. From sex, intimacy, trust and attachment to excess control, imposition, rejection and guilt. All of this, shown in a very physical and visible way. Almost palpable.

Before the premiere, the protagonists have defined the film as “sexy” and they are right. Loving someone until your last breath implies that bodily need to want to mix with that person, to join them on a deep level. Something that here translates into a physical combination. Literally.

Together… and mixed up!

Tim and Millie are about to take a big step in their relationship: moving to live together in a country house, away from the city, quiet and almost alone. However, they are not having the best time of their lives.

This circumstance increases the tension between them to the extent that he feels that he is giving up part of his musical career (during low times) to please her while on the contrary, from Millie’s point of view, it is the only way for him to get his act together and mature once and for all by settling down.

Shortly after arriving at the place they go on an excursion in which they get lost in the forest. When a storm surprises them, they seek refuge in a cave that does not seem natural, presided over by an enigmatic spring. Driven by an inexplicable thirst, they drink from those waters, which will lead them to experience a series of inexplicable and painful physical changes.

Attracted like magnets, their bodies tend to stick together, even when they are unconscious, a process that will become increasingly radical and endanger their lives… if they really want to be separated.

Resorting to Platonic philosophy and its theory of soulmates, separated by divine punishment and forced to search for each other, it stands as Together a very curious mythology to justify the changes experienced by the protagonists conveyed by an ancient and sick cult.

Both for the internal tempo of the narrative and for the dosage of information and the presentation of the most disturbing scenes, The film captures attention and captivates the eye by offering high-impact sequences that are as unpleasant as they are practical when it comes to explicitly showing what the characters experience emotionally.

But Shank can’t help but fall into the classic beginner’s trap and after several twists in the script he takes one too many turns that causes him to go overboard. If the film ended two minutes earlier, it would be much more efficient and impactful because the final blow of effect is left over and is even perceived as a little “tacky” after the deployment of means of all the previous ones.

Within its imperfection and its commercial vocation, Together delivers when it comes to delivering a project with substance, fun in its own way, although it is not going to revolutionize the genre: Anyone who wants to be truly scared (and navigate darker and more cryptic waters) will have to turn to the essential Cronenberg, whose cinema is at the cusp of extreme body horror.