By R.J. Melby 

Writer/Reporter 

Directed by Michael Shanks, “Together” stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as codependent couple Tim, a struggling musician, and Millie, an aspiring schoolteacher. After a job opportunity brings the two to a small, secluded town, they discover a cave and a mysterious pool of water. Little do they know; the ordeal will bring them closer than they’ve ever been. 

Warning: minor spoilers ahead. 

“Together” is unabashedly a body horror film. Those who are unfamiliar with the body horror genre may find it an uncomfortable watch. I know I certainly squirmed in my seat. It includes themes you’d expect, like the fear of involuntary bodily change and a re-evaluation of the flesh we take for granted. As Tim and Millie are pulled closer to one another, an alarm goes off in our heads, making us intensely uneasy. 

However, “Together” is more than a body horror flick. It’s a statement on Western romantic relationships.  

We live in an individualistic society where self-care is encouraged over the welfare of others. We are often told to listen to our bodies or follow our hearts, even if it goes against the will of our loved ones. And yet, this ideology clashes with the traditional (at times, religious) ideals of marriage, where we are told to set aside our differences and learn to work together as one unit. 

In the Bible, for example, there is a verse that is paramount to the themes of “Together.” “They are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:8-9 KJV). 

Being in a committed relationship is scary, and it often means compromise. It is statistically impossible for two humans to be like of mind enough to fulfill each other’s needs, and that’s why so many monogamous relationships fail; because of the fear of commitment after the joining of flesh. Commitment means the sacrifice of the individual self, to promise to work for the good of the relationship over the good of the self. That’s not for everyone, and that is understandable. 

 “Together” offers a different perspective on these fears. The ending of the film leaves a feeling simultaneously underwhelming and intriguing. Before the ending, we know Tim and Millie’s fusion is inevitable, and with one scene revealing another couple’s failed transformation, we’re left imagining the terrible metamorphosis of Tim and Millie. Eventually, Tim and Millie accept their situation, but instead of just acquiescing, they end up embracing it, making love and allowing the ritual to take its course.  

What follows isn’t a monster, but the equivalent of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly. We, as the audience, witness the impossible joining of two souls, once opposing, now in harmony, in the form of Tillie. Thus, “Together” serves as a refreshing take, saying there is horror in commitment, but there is beauty as well.  

Take what you will from that.  

If body horror doesn’t leave you shifting in your sear, Tale Foundry has a great video on these themes. Check out their “Joining the Flesh Singularity” on YouTube.