Together chronicles the journey of the couple Tim (Dave Franco) and Millie (Alison Brie), who, after several years together, opt to leave their urban lifestyle behind and establish a new life in the countryside. They settle into a charming rural home, and during a leisurely walk, they are caught in a storm and become disoriented. They then descend into a mysterious chasm, awakening the next morning to find themselves inexplicably conjoined. As events unfold, they gradually realize the unsettling truth of their situation, with their relationship problems quickly becoming the least of their concerns.

The Film Experience

Together proved to be a compelling cinematic experience, approached with no prior knowledge of its premise or cast. The film opens with one of the most harrowing sequences I have encountered, involving a nightmare and a blanket. While subsequent events do not reach the same level of visceral terror, the lingering physiological impact of that initial sequence undeniably amplified the overall viewing experience.

Direction and Storytelling

Directed by Michael Shanks, whose prior work includes short films and television series episodes, the film demonstrates a mixed execution. While the atmosphere he cultivates is genuinely unsettling, critical examination of the narrative quickly reveals significant logical inconsistencies. The abundance of improbable and coincidental occurrences ultimately undermines the film’s overall credibility.

Cast

Dave Franco, younger brother of James Franco, often struggles to achieve the same level of impact as his sibling. Despite his earnest efforts, his portrayal occasionally lacks the necessary depth. While there are moments where he shines, his performance frequently exhibits a somewhat uninspired quality. Alison Brie, Dave’s real-life wife, delivers a comparatively stronger performance, even though her character’s development is notably constrained.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Despite the aforementioned criticisms, Together offers undeniable merits. The film proves genuinely engaging in the moment, with its narrative coherence primarily faltering upon post-viewing reflection. A notable strength is the commendable commitment to practical effects wherever feasible. However, the filmmakers regrettably incorporate a jarring CGI effect towards the end. This instance likely highlights the director’s relative inexperience and further underscores the film’s inconsistent quality.

Technical Aspects (Blu-ray)

Together is regrettably unavailable on UHD in Sweden, which is a significant oversight. Achieving an optimal viewing experience currently necessitates acquiring the more expensive import version, incurring a substantial financial outlay. The local Blu-ray release still delivers a commendable visual presentation, characterized by sharp contrasts and excellent detail reproduction. A notable disappointment, however, is the inclusion of only a DTS 5.1 audio track, which proves rather underwhelming. Even though the film is largely subdued, certain sequences would have greatly benefited from a higher-fidelity audio track to provide enhanced impact.

Bonus Features

Supplementary materials include behind-the-scenes films, interviews, and deleted scenes—contingent upon acquiring the costly import edition. In stark contrast, the Swedish Blu-ray release is entirely devoid of any bonus content. This recurring practice, where consumers are compelled to purchase an incomplete local release at a price point comparable to a fully featured international edition, remains a source of considerable frustration within the industry.

In summary, while Together is by no means a perfect film, it offers a distinctive, unsettling, and memorable cinematic experience that lingers in the viewer’s mind. The film adeptly blends elements of relationship drama with horror, creating a compelling hybrid. Unfortunately, the substandard Blu-ray release significantly detracts from its overall recommendation, making it challenging to fully endorse despite its inherent strengths.

SF Studios provided review copies for this test. Material providers have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.