Australian Director Debuts with Body Horror Film ‘Together’

Sydney, Australia — Director Michael Shanks makes his feature film debut with ‘Together,’ a unique body horror film that blends comedy and grotesque visuals.

The film, which stars real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, explores the oddities of attraction when a couple faces strange circumstances in a quiet town. Millie (Brie), a teacher, and Tim (Franco), an aimless musician, move to start a new chapter in their lives. However, their relationship faces challenges when they fall into a mysterious cave and drink strange water, intensifying their physical attraction in bizarre ways.

‘Together’ showcases moments of dark humor and imaginative body horror as the couple struggles to maintain their individuality amid bizarre circumstances. A notable scene features doors transforming into cliff faces as they navigate their attraction.

Shanks, who also wrote the film, effectively infuses comedy into the narrative, taking advantage of Brie and Franco’s impressive comedic backgrounds. However, some critiques have emerged regarding the film’s cohesiveness. Critics note that while the film begins with a compelling premise about the nature of dependency in relationships, it loses its thematic grip as the story unfolds.

Some critics argue the film’s darker elements, including Tim’s struggle with family trauma, seem underdeveloped as the plot progresses. Disappointment arises from the film’s ending, which some feel deviates too greatly from its earlier themes.

Additionally, ‘Together’ faces an international plagiarism lawsuit claiming similarities to the indie film ‘Better Half,’ raising concerns about the originality of its content.

Despite these criticisms, ‘Together’ promises entertaining moments and showcases Shanks’s potential as a director. The film premiered at the Sydney Film Festival and is set for Australian cinema release on July 31, 2025.