The supernatural body-horror film Together, starring real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie, premiered in U.S. theaters on July 30, 2025, following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year. Directed and written by Australian filmmaker Michael Shanks in his feature debut, the film delves into intimate couple dynamics by manifesting emotional co-dependency through grotesque, physical transformation.
In Together, Tim (Franco) and Millie (Brie) relocate to a remote rural setting in hopes of shaking up their long-established relationship. After a strange encounter in a mystical cave, their bodies—and psyches—begin merging in horrifying and metaphorical ways. As the fusion progresses, their struggle to maintain identity and connection evolves into a disturbing ritualistic climax that blurs the lines between love, attachment, and loss of self.
The film blends startling practical effects—prosthetics, animatronics, and body-contorting make-up—with tight pacing and unsettling humor. Critics have praised its bold visual choices and the chemistry between Franco and Brie, who also serve as producers. The film turns classic horror elements into emotionally charged storytelling, using body horror as a literal metaphor for codependent relationships.
Together made headlines early, securing a reported $17 million acquisition deal from distributor Neon after its Sundance premiere on January 26, 2025. The release date was initially set for August 1 but was moved up by two days to July 30. It arrives amid a wave of body horror successes, joining films like The Substance and Bring Her Back in pushing the genre into the mainstream.
Early critical reception has been strong. Together currently holds a high approval rating and a “generally favorable” average score, with critics highlighting the film’s emotional core and visceral design. Some reviewers noted a weaker third act and an overreliance on cult mythology as minor shortcomings, but overall praised its originality and impact. Described as a disturbing yet darkly comedic exploration of intimacy, the film is a horror experience shaped as an allegory for emotional vulnerability and psychological unraveling.
Director Michael Shanks described the film’s ending as “a romantic and loving resolution,” while Alison Brie warned playfully that couples watching the movie might question their own relationships afterward: “If they break up afterward, it wasn’t meant to be.” Their authentic rapport anchors the surreal premise, turning what could have been a purely grotesque experience into something deeply human and unsettling.
Together emerges as one of July’s most memorable horror releases. With its mix of body horror aesthetics, psychological insight, and compelling performances, the film has established itself as a standout in the genre and a bold debut for Shanks as a filmmaker.