Together is the latest film from Michael Shanks starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco. The film premiered at Sundance to rave reviews and made its way to SXSW. I had the chance to watch the film at SXSW and it was my most anticipated of the whole festival. I’m always a sucker for body horror and to hear there was some romance was a big plus to me. The film was unlike anything I watched at the festival and frankly probably all year.

Together revolves around a couple played by Franco and Brie whose life changes when they take a big move. Check out the official synopsis below.

“A couple’s move to the countryside triggers a supernatural incident that drastically alters their relationship, existence, and physical form.”

That synopsis alone got me in the seat for the film. Together honestly exceeded all expectations from me. I had an idea of what I was getting into and yet it kept surprising me at each turn. Franco and Brie both have an electrifying chemistry as Millie and Tim. Of course, in real life they are a couple, but I still think it takes a bit of more push to really convey love through the screen. Although the couple have a bit of a tumultuous relationship those tender moments really shine when they come. All of this adds another layer to the film that I really didn’t think it would have. I found myself feeling sentimental at key points in the film. In a film where a couple is terrorized by an unknown presence you have to feel for them right? The duo actually captures this love so perfectly through the screen which helps the scares land.

Of course, let’s talk about the horror and scares in a horror movie! Together is one of those films that doesn’t have to rely on jump scares to make you feel the dread. I won’t lie though; I was jumping throughout this film. A lot of the imagery is so creepy and downright disturbing it’s still engrained in my brain right now. I actually felt a shiver thinking about a particular bedroom scene. Michael Shanks expertly crafts the horror where it doesn’t feel cheap but is actually warranted. It’s equally about the unknown horror plaguing the couple but also how scary the future can be. I truly believe Shanks has such a bright future when it comes to horror and Together solidifies him as a voice to look out for.

The situation happening in Together has all the possibilities of going off the rails, but Shanks keeps it tight. I was so fascinated at how they’re able to keep the story contained and intriguing. The core of Together is really about keeping the story singular but the actors take it to other levels. All of this added with a snappy script with exceptional deliveries from both leads make this such a fun experience. The comedy was such a great buffer before each of the scares and showcased the range of both Brie and Franco.

All in all, I couldn’t give you a bad thing about this movie in my opinion. It fired in all of the cylinders I needed it to. It is an exceptional story about love and how it endures through it all. Together packs an emotional punch with scares and laughs throughout. I realize that’s what love truly is, the fear of what the future holds with the laughs and emotions that love brings.

Together opens in theaters August 21st.