Together - Unzertrennlich (Together) 
Australia/U.S.A.
2025
Opening 31 Jul 2025
Directed by:
Michael Shanks
Writing credits:
Michael Shanks
Principal actors:
Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman, Mia Morrissey, Karl Richmond
Writer-director Michael Shanks has concocted a body-horror flick so ghastly you might just burst out laughing when all is said and done, and it will not be from relief. As well, within his screenplay he has also inserted the ultimate love stories.
Settled in their longtime relationship, a recent plight was so unsettling that Millie’s (Alison Brie) job offer is the perfect solution. She and Tim (Dave Franco) are trading city life for that of a laidback small rural town. She loves teaching, the position means they will have more time together, and he can easily commute into the city for gigs that come along. Or at least that is Millie’s hope, especially after the rough patch and particularly for Tim. At her new school, fellow teacher Jamie (Damon Herriman) goes out of his way to make Millie feel comfortable and then stretches that into “dropping by” when he learns she and Tim live just down the street from his house. All seems to be going according to plan as they relax into their new surroundings and house—Tim is sleeping better—until they get lost on the hiking trail. And it begins pouring rain. Then Tim takes a tumble, falling yet still hanging onto Millie, leading to the ultimate mistake. Hence forward, they are stuck with one another with no pulling back as their bodies take over their lives.
Adding supernatural to Shanks’ debut screenplay/film, the overall concept is captivating, albeit something is missing in this translation. The couples’ relationships are about measured fidelity and interchangeable neediness. Perhaps it is some rough edges and patchiness in Shank’s directorial decisions, or his direction of the cast that appears constrained. Particularly Franco and Herriman who come across as out of step at times; Brie’s character is the most well-rounded. Sean Lahiff’s editing is fine, other than a few timing issues, as is Germain McMicking’s cinematography, although clearly influenced by compositions that were used before, e.g., filming directly overhead following a moving car on a tree shrouded road. This light entertainment comes with a few good frights, plus food for thought. In fact, Together’s tag line could easily read, “be careful what you wish for.” (Marinell Haegelin)
