‘Together’ Review: Dave Franco and Alison Brie Are a Couple Falling Apart (and Fusing) in a Loony-Tunes Bash About the Body Horror of Love

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Body horror is experiencing a resurgence, although it has consistently been present in our popular culture. The term was first associated with the films of David Cronenberg, who pioneered the concept of body horror – visceral, organic, and intellectually stimulating. Cronenberg’s work as a filmmaker has always been rooted in ideas, and the more disturbing his visual depictions of bodily transformation become, the more certain you can be that they are symbolic representations. In recent times, directors such as Luca Guadagnino (“Suspiria”) and Julia Ducournau (“Titane”) have embraced this genre, and I believe we reached a pinnacle of body horror with “The Substance,” where the climactic scene – the protagonist transforming into a grotesque mass of infected flesh – seemed to encapsulate the ultimate metaphor for the consequences of tampering with the human form as given by nature.

The film titled “Together” debuted under Sundance’s Midnight label, signifying it can be quite different from typical Sundance movies. Essentially, it’s the unusual horror flick at a film festival that could potentially screen in large cinema chains, similar to “The Substance.” However, it’s not as exceptional; it’s more of a wild, psychedelic roller coaster ride, where if something appears strange, you should probably do it. In other words, this movie is an unsettling, trippy experience.

The film offers a fun, albeit boisterous experience, featuring two exceptionally talented actors, Dave Franco and Alison Brie (who are in a real-life relationship), portraying a troubled couple dealing with issues that mirror those found in real-life relationships. This movie serves as an outrageously intense yet intellectually stimulating thriller revolving around a profound concept. After watching it, I couldn’t help but think: This is the kind of film David Cronenberg would have created if he had been more focused on sensationalism instead of being a serious Canadian intellectual.

Tim (Franco) and Millie (Brie) have been a couple for 10 years, their love remains strong, but they’ve accumulated enough issues that their relationship has transformed into a routine of questioning “what are we doing here?” with occasional tension or comfort. She works as a grade-school teacher, while he is an indie-rock musician surviving on hipster culture. In an effort to break this pattern, they have decided to relocate from the city to a rural town, where she has secured a teaching position and he plans to experiment with his music, eventually joining his friends’ band for tours.

At her farewell gathering, she unexpectedly gets down on one knee to propose, leading to an embarrassing public spectacle given his reaction. (He agrees, but hesitantly, suggesting “yes…I suppose.”) This doesn’t exactly pave the way for a smooth start in their new life. Furthermore, the destination they are moving to is situated near a forest, and within this forest lies a cave buried in the ground. Inside this cave, there are peculiar items like a bell, church pews, and a strange energy that seems to suggest that drinking the water from the cave will result in some sort of enchantment being cast upon you.

During her goodbye party, she makes an unanticipated proposal on bended knee, creating an awkward scene due to his response. (He consents, but hesitantly, as if to say “yes…I guess.”) This doesn’t exactly set the stage for a harmonious start in their new life. Additionally, the location they are relocating to is close to a forest, and within this forest lies a cave beneath the ground. Inside this cave, there are odd items such as a bell, church pews, and an unusual energy that hints at the possibility of being under a spell if you drink the water from the cave.

In their newly acquired abode, the movie’s Australian screenwriter-director, Michael Shanks, orchestrates a free-reign sequence of startling omens. He’s quite adept at it. When Tim detects an odd scent emanating from a ceiling light and decides to investigate by unscrewing the fixture, he encounters something unsettling that might make you chuckle. Additionally, there is a glimpse into Dave’s past – one of those incredibly eerie faces, which for Tim, unfortunately, turns out to be someone very familiar.

Later on, Tim and Millie embark on a walk in the forest, and when it starts raining heavily, Tim slips and enters a nearby cave, with Millie following suit. They aren’t trapped (they opt to stay put during the storm), but it’s only about 10 feet deep, with adequate ledges for an easy exit. However, Tim, repeating the error made by two dogs in the movie’s introductory scene, becomes parched and drinks from the water source. Upon waking up, they find their legs stuck together, as if they were glued. Despite managing to separate themselves, this is the starting point of a series of events. Their bodies somehow yearn to unite physically.

In a surprising twist for even a horror movie, that action seems quite unusual for two bodies. However, it’s intriguing to note that the central image in the second half of “Together,” which involves hands slipping under skin, bears an uncanny (yet possibly coincidental) resemblance to the climactic scene in Luca Guadagnino’s “Call Me By Your Name.” Unlike “Body Horror” films, “Call Me By Your Name” didn’t focus on body horror, but it did present a strikingly tactile and romantic vision of emotional connection.

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that “Together” is a unique blend of horror and romance. Rather than claiming that Franco and Brie’s off-screen partnership has been instrumental to their acting, I’d like to note that Tim and Millie display a remarkable ability to portray bickering that feels authentically lived-in. It’s not just the typical movie-cute quarreling; it’s raw, it’s real, and it echoes with their past. Their interactions reveal how they know each other’s buttons, and this is a testament to their history.

This dynamic aligns beautifully with the film’s central theme, which posits that when two souls are destined for each other, even their disagreements are part of the journey. They might not always be lovey-dovey, but they embody something deeper, a profound connection that transcends everyday affection. If I may speculate, the movie seems to suggest that they share more than just spirits; perhaps, they share flesh too.

At school, many of us were taught Plato’s view on love: a divided entity yearning to reunite its halves. In the show, this concept is proposed by Jamie, Millie’s enigmatic new coworker, portrayed by Damon Herriman with a friendly yet puzzling edge that leaves us questioning, “What’s his deal?” It turns out that this idea is connected to a rather unsettling cult with members who smile eerily.

In a twist of irony, “Together” is being marketed as a chilling horror film, yet fear not, it’s also filled with moments designed to elicit uproarious laughter from the viewers. For instance, you’ll find scenes where characters Tim and Millie engage in an… intimate moment inside a restroom only to end up stuck in an awkward predicament. Fortunately, they do manage to separate themselves. The duct tape, reciprocating saw, and subsequent ordeal are just part of their escapades.

In the realm of modern cinema, where practical effects have regained popularity, it’s refreshing that “Together” showcases both innovative and clever visual effects, as well as some intentionally cheesy ones. Reminiscent of classic horror flicks, these elements add to the overall fun and enjoyment of the movie.

In essence, while “Together” tackles a heavy subject like love, it never fails to maintain a light-hearted tone and encourages viewers to have an enjoyable time with its unique blend of body-horror and humor.

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2025-01-28 00:47