The latest film “Together,” a body horror piece directed by Michael Shanks, offers a unique twist on the concept of merging identities, particularly highlighted in its final transformative shot featuring the characters Millie and Tim, portrayed by Alison Brie and Dave Franco. While viewers may draw parallels to contemporary face-merging applications influenced by artificial intelligence technology, Shanks emphasizes that no AI was utilized in the film’s creation.
During an interview on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, Shanks expressed his frustration with the perception that computer-generated imagery (CGI) overshadowed the painstaking efforts of the visual effects team. He noted, “The amount of screenings I’ve gone to now, and people come up to me and say, ‘Was that AI at the end?’ It’s just so crazy that people assume AI is now the cause.” Instead, the captivating shot of the couple merging was crafted using traditional filmmaking techniques, underscoring the artistry involved.
The visual effects were handled by Framestore, which created the dramatic climax of the characters’ bodies merging, while practical effects were brought to life by prosthetics designer Larry Van Duynhoven. The finishing touch, referred to as “Tillie,” was accomplished through diligent compositing work by VFX supervisor Genevieve Camilleri. This required a delicate approach to blend elements from both actors’ features seamlessly, resulting in a character that feels authentic yet surreal.
Camilleri’s process involved an intricate blending of Brie and Franco’s facial characteristics. She initially shot Brie with a wig and then replicated Franco’s features through makeup, ensuring the final merge would be recognizable to the audience. Shanks elaborated on the meticulous dubbing of facial features, ultimately culminating in a shot that straddles the ordinary and the extraordinary.
“Together” has now made its theatrical debut under the distribution of Neon, inviting audiences to explore this creatively ambitious project that celebrates traditional film techniques in a technologically saturated landscape.
This film not only showcases the talents of its actors and creators but also emphasizes the enduring beauty of practical effects over automated processes, reminding us of the artistry that defines cinema.