The 72nd Sydney Film Festival is set to kick off with the Australian premiere of Together, a daring new feature from Melbourne-based writer-director Michael Shanks, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the State Theatre. Following the screening, a gala celebration will take place at Sydney Town Hall, marking a significant moment in the festival's history.
Director Nashen Moodley expressed his excitement about the festival's opening night, stating, “We are thrilled to open the 2025 Festival with Together, a fiercely original work that showcases the creative ambition of a new voice in Australian cinema.” He praised Shanks’ ability to craft a film that shifts seamlessly between tones and genres, while also highlighting the performances of the film’s stars, Alison Brie and Dave Franco.
Together has already made waves as a breakout hit at the Sundance Film Festival, where it garnered attention for its unique blend of domestic drama and supernatural elements. The film features real-life couple Brie and Franco as Millie and Tim, who relocate to the countryside in search of a quieter life. However, their aspirations for tranquility quickly unravel amidst a series of strange occurrences, including a creepily overfriendly neighbor, played by Australian actor Damon Herriman, and a surreal encounter in a nearby cave.
What begins as a simple exploration of domestic disconnection spirals into a surreal and body-horror-inflected journey, ultimately bringing the couple closer together in unexpected and terrifying ways. Billed as a genre-bending blend of relationship drama, dark comedy, and supernatural horror, Together marks Shanks’ feature debut. Known for his sharp comedic work and visually striking shorts, he brings a uniquely stylized vision to the screen, pairing emotional nuance with escalating unease.
Shanks expressed his pride in showcasing the Australian film industry, stating, “Despite our US leads, this is an Australian film through and through, and I’m so proud to showcase what amazing crew and cast we have in our local industry.” He humorously added, “I got altitude sickness at Sundance, so I’m especially glad the premiere in Sydney should be a bit easier on the body.”
The film will be released in Australia by Kismet Films later in 2025, allowing audiences across the country to experience this innovative project. The full Sydney Film Festival program will be announced on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with early highlights already available, including a retrospective on Iranian director Jafar Panahi.
The festival will run from June 4 to June 15, and tickets for the Opening Night Gala, Flexipasses, and full subscriptions are currently on sale at sff.org.au. Together promises to be a thrilling start to a festival that celebrates the best of cinema, both local and international.
