Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for ‘Together.‘Given the acclaim that films likeThe Substance, Bring Her Back,Titane, andCrimes of the Futurehave received in recent years, it is safe to say that the body horror subgenre has been making a comeback. While body horror is often associated with “extreme cinema” that is designed to push viewers out of their comfort zones, the independent supernatural filmTogetheris an example of how enjoyable the genre can be. Although it features some truly disturbing imagery,Togetheris a thorough examination of co-dependencyin relationships, which is made even more profound because it stars the real-life coupleDave FrancoandAlison Brie. While the commentary on relationship boundaries gives it an “elevated” feel,Togetheralso features the single most terrifying shower scene in a horror film since the originalPsycho.
While it is certainly not one of the most violent films ever made,Psychowas considered to be a groundbreaking achievement in horror cinema because of how it took audiences by surprise.Alfred Hitchcockpresented the film in a realistic way, and the notion that a private space like a hotel shower could contain danger was utterly terrifying; by killing off the ostensible lead of the film less than halfway through the running time, Hitchcock indicated to the audiences that no one was guaranteed to be safe.Togetherhad an equally horrifying sequence that captures a universal fear of losing one’s bodily autonomy.
‘Together’ Depicts the Horror of Invaded Privacy
Similar to many Hitchcock classics,Togetherbegins by presenting a grounded scenariothat audiences can relate to. Franco and Brie star as Millie and Tim, respectively, a couple who have been together for quite some time and are finally deciding to move in with one another. Although Tim has concerns about being able to continue his music career when they are at a new home in the middle of nowhere, he finds himself unable to speak up against Millie, as he doesn’t want to have any difficult conversations. After Millie and Tims’ attempt at bonding over a hiking expedition goes disastrously awry,they find themselves trapped within a caveand subsequently find themselves literally stuck to one another with a glue-like substance. Although they are initially able to separate, Millie and Tim begin experiencing disturbing episodes in which they are unable to function without one another.
Togethershows a primal fear of not being safe while alone at homewhen Tim tries to relax by taking a shower when Millie is at her new job as an elementary school teacher. Although he has wanted to be free from her judgment and consider what his next steps will be, he finds himself losing control of his movements and begins violently slamming himself against the side of the shower, complete with sickening sound design. Considering that the film has gone to great lengths to emphasize that the couple is in an isolated area, it’s made evident that no one would be able to come and help Tim unless Millie comes home; this makes the situation even more frightening, as it’s been established that being close to Millie may have adverse effects on Tim. The scene works particularly wellas a work of visceral horrorbecause writer/directorMichael Shanksshoots it primarily from above, which makes it feel even more claustrophobic.
The shower scene contains allusions to the couple’s previous exploits in the cave, signifying that they went through a life-altering experience that they will never be able to fully recover from. Although Tim had tried to clean and hydrate himself in the cave, it’s suggested that the infected water is what may have put the curse on him; as a consequence, the water in the shower does not help heal or soothe him. Perhaps the only reason that Tim survived in the cave was that Millie was there to assist him and keep him focused, which makes it scarier whenhe is alone without her support.
‘Together’ Is a True Cinematic Horror Experience
Togetheris both a visceral and psychologically terrifying film, as it combinesthe inherent body horror of the premisewith a deeper commentary on not being able to communicate. What’s most terrifying for Tim is that after violent episodes in which he cannot control his contortions, he is unable to describe the mental state he was in, as no one but Millie has faced similar experiences. The consequence of this is that in order for him and Millie to examine the effects that they have on one another, they must test how dangerous it would be for them to be in close proximity with each other. The shower scene is a critical moment within this arc, as it shatters Tim’s confidence in being independent. Although he was initially able to hold on to the idea that he would be able to balance his personal goals while being a good partner to Millie,he realizes that he is completely helpless without her.
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Togethershows the consequences of having poor communicationin a relationship, as the shower scene is particularly scary because Millie has no idea the impact that she has on Tim when she is away. It is established within one of the film’s opening scenes that Tim has a hard time being honest with Millie, as he is unable to give her feedback after hesitating during her proposal amidst a party with friends. Given that Tim fears what Millie will say if he is honest,he is in a situation in which all of his suffering is internalized.At the same time, Millie is so convinced that Tim is being purposefully reclusive that she heads into a situation without knowing the adverse effects that it will have upon him.
Despite containing some of the year’s most memorable scares,Togetheris an example of thefreedom that can come with independent horror, as it does not abide by the rules that would be put in place for a studio film. It’s impressive that the film is so narrowly focused and isolated on one key location, yet still manages to feel both intimate and personable. If the shower scene is evidence of anything aboutTogether, it is that sometimes the simplest setups can be the scariest.
Together is a supernatural drama following a couple whose relocation to the countryside instigates a mysterious event, profoundly impacting their relationship, lives, and physical identities.
