Filmmaker Discusses Sex Scene in Together

Michael Shanks explains the significance of the sex scene in Together featuring Alison Brie and Dave Franco.

Filmmaker Discusses Unique Sex Scene in Together

Michael Shanks, the writer and director of Together, has gained significant attention for his debut film, which features Alison Brie and Dave Franco. Following its successful premiere at Sundance 2025, the film has received critical acclaim with a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 98 percent. The narrative revolves around Tim and Millie, a couple whose relationship struggles are depicted through body horror elements, including an intense and unconventional sex scene. Shanks insists that this moment is essential to understanding the couple's dynamic and is not merely for shock value. He points out that the scene reflects a complex emotional and physical intimacy that is crucial to the film's exploration of relationships and identity.

The inclusion of the sex scene in Together highlights an essential shift in how intimacy is portrayed in modern cinema. With many filmmakers opting out of depicting sexual encounters, often citing the vast array of adult content available online, Shanks' approach is refreshingly candid. He argues that such scenes can convey deeper emotional truths about characters. The production's choice to cast a real-life married couple not only adds authenticity but allows for a raw portrayal of intimacy that resonates with audiences. This trend suggests a potential resurgence of genuine relationship narratives in film that embrace complexity rather than shying away from it.

Highlights

With unique narratives like Together, the film industry may continue to evolve the portrayal of intimacy.