Together

“Together” is yet another entrant into the high-concept adult horror genre that A24 and Neon seem to release 2 or 3 of each per year. They’ve been hit and miss for us, but this one generally works. I’ll give Jordan Peele ultimate credit for jump-starting the genre with “Get Out” years ago.

Some of the more fantasy elements and world-building are a little silly and more of a means to an end for the story. Not a big focus or area of expertise for writer/director Michael Shanks. He seems singularly focused on making a codependency horror film, full stop. The rest is a little silly at times and did take me out of the story at some moments, like “wait, why did that happen if this didn’t happen earlier?” And there were more examples as I thought about this afterwards.

The real-life married couple at the center of “Together”, Dave Franco and Allison Brie are excellent. And oh boy, are there some good jump scares and what I’d almost describe as “eye-averting cringe pieces”? Instead of set pieces… (think that mouthful will catch on!?)

I was a little worried this was going to be excessively gory and gross from the trailers, but they do a good job of giving you an idea of what is going on without being tasteless or making the moment about the blood. Everything is very much done to serve the story and character arcs, which is how it should be. Overall, not perfect, and both main characters are generally unlikable, which feels intentional, but this is a solid entrant into this expanding indie horror subgenre. If you were already interested from trailers, you’re probably going to like it. If not, it's safe to stay on your couch.

- 6.5/10