Reviews

Alison Brie and Dave Franco – who are married in real life – have worked together several times in the past and now they’ve taken their collaboration to a whole new level in Together.

In Michael Shanks’s body horror, the actors star as Millie and Tim, who have been together for a decade but have grown apart to the point where they should probably consider parting ways.

The cracks in their relationship are put under the microscope when they move out of the city to live in a remote house near the woods.

During a hiking trip, they fall into a creepy-looking cave and somehow become infected, with a mysterious force pulling them together so they’ll fuse and become one.

What a terrific concept! How could you not be intrigued to see how it pans out?

It was a stroke of genius casting married actors as the leads because their built-in chemistry lends itself to the characters, with Franco being particularly impressive as a vulnerable Tim.

Together isn’t for the faint-hearted. Naturally, it gets quite grotesque and gnarly, seeing two people’s bodies slowly fusing together, and the practical effects and prosthetics make it look so realistic.

The body horror is obviously the main event, but there are other genres at play here. For example, the first half is mostly a relationship drama that establishes Millie and Tim’s troubles and follows them as they adjust to their new home.

There are also comedic moments peppered throughout, as well as other types of horror, such as the jumpy supernatural kind, featuring contortions that are sure to freak out audiences.

For diehard fans, Together doesn’t take its concept far enough. Sure, we witness a lot of disgusting imagery, but the camera often cuts away before it gets too bloody or gory. It doesn’t get as dark or extreme as you might expect, plus the ending feels a little rushed, so you can’t really bask in the craziness.

This year’s version of The Substance, Together is an unhinged and twisted tale that is best enjoyed with a crowd because it is such a fun experience hearing everyone’s collective reactions to the wildest on-screen moments.

In cinemas from Friday 15th August.

By Hannah Wales.

© Cover Media