MOVIE REVIEW | Together – Michael Shanks’s feature debut Together is one of the strangest, most original films you’ll watch this year — a twisted blend of body horror, domestic drama, and offbeat comedy, all wrapped into a surreal package that never lets you look away.
Starring real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie, the film follows a pair who, in search of a quieter life, move to the countryside. But their fresh start quickly spirals into the bizarre when a supernatural incident fuses them together — physically, emotionally, and existentially.
The concept is undeniably weird — one of those films that makes you wonder, who sits at home and comes up with this stuff? And yet, despite (or perhaps because of) its strangeness, Together works. It leans fully into its oddball premise, delivering a movie that’s equal parts icky, poignant, and hilariously awkward.
There are moments that will make your skin crawl — scenes of the couple quite literally stuck together, in ways that are grotesque and deeply uncomfortable.
But like a car crash, you can’t look away. Shanks plays with tone masterfully, balancing gross-out body horror with moments of intimacy and unexpected humour. Whether the comedy was entirely intentional or simply a by-product of the absurdity is unclear, but either way, it works in the film’s favour.
Brie and Franco deliver strong, grounded performances amidst the madness, helping sell the emotional undercurrent beneath the chaos. Despite the film’s strange shell, there’s a very human story about love, codependency, and identity at its core.
Together may not be for everyone — it’s weird, wild, and at times deeply uncomfortable — but it keeps you engaged from start to finish. With a slow-burn tension, unexpected laughs, and a surprisingly action-packed, thrilling finale, it stands out as one of the more original genre films in recent years.
Verdict:
A grotesque yet oddly heartfelt genre mashup that’s as funny as it is freaky. Together is not your average horror film — and that’s what makes it worth watching.
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Rating
Aaron: 8 / 10 “some gold comedy weaved in there. Couldn’t look away”
Zak: 7 / 10 “weirdly interesting and a big finale”
Cinema Experience:
Tucked away in Leederville, Western Australia, Luna Cinemas offers a nostalgic escape from the slick, commercial multiplex experience. With its old-fashioned decor, indie film lineup, and boutique charm, it’s the kind of place that caters to cinema-goers looking for something a little more intimate and offbeat.
The venue wears its heritage proudly — from the art deco details to the curated selection of arthouse and festival-style films, Luna feels like stepping back into a simpler era of cinema.
However, while the charm is undeniable, some modern comforts are clearly lacking. The seating is outdated and uncomfortable, there are no cup holders, and the sound quality can be hit-and-miss, particularly in comparison to larger cinema chains. These might seem like small details, but they do affect the overall experience, especially for longer films.
That said, Luna still shines in areas that matter. The staff are warm and welcoming, the programming is thoughtful and diverse, and the prices are refreshingly reasonable. It’s the kind of place that values film culture and community over flash and spectacle — and for many, that’s more than enough.
Verdict:
Luna Cinemas is a charming, retro gem that delivers heart and character in spades — but if you’re after plush seats and booming surround sound, be prepared to compromise a little.
Link to Kismet movies HERE
TV Central Movie Reviews HERE
MOVIE REVIEW | Together
About the Movie
Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie (Dave Franco and Alison Brie) find themselves at acrossroadsastheymovetothecountry,abandoningallthatisfamiliarintheirlivesexcepteachother.Withtensionsalreadyflaring,anightmarishencounterwithamysterious,unnaturalforcethreatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh
