Horror fans, brace yourselves: Together, the 2025 supernatural body horror film written and directed by Michael Shanks, has stormed onto the scene with a Certified Fresh 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the year’s most critically acclaimed genre entries. Starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, this chilling tale of love, codependency, and grotesque transformation has captivated audiences with its bold premise, stellar performances, and jaw-dropping plot twists. Released in theaters on July 30, 2025, Together is being hailed as a “romantic body horror for sickos” that’s as emotionally raw as it is viscerally unsettling. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-see film.
A Twisted Tale of Love and Transformation
Together follows Millie Wilson (Alison Brie) and Tim (Dave Franco), a couple at a crossroads in their long-term relationship. Millie, a passionate elementary school English teacher, lands a promising job that prompts the pair to leave their urban life behind for a fresh start in the countryside. Tim, an aspiring musician struggling with failure and self-doubt, is less certain about the move, and tensions simmer beneath the surface. At a going-away party, Millie’s impulsive marriage proposal catches Tim off guard, leading to an awkward hesitation that leaves her humiliated and their relationship strained.
Their new life in the countryside takes a nightmarish turn when, during a hike near their secluded home, a sudden rainstorm forces them to take shelter in a cave. What begins as a moment of vulnerability—camping out to wait out the storm—spirals into a horrifying encounter with a mysterious, supernatural force. This entity doesn’t just threaten their lives; it corrupts their love and their very bodies, fusing them in ways that are both grotesque and deeply symbolic. The film uses body horror to explore the toxic horrors of codependency, turning emotional entanglement into a literal, flesh-warping nightmare. As Variety’s Owen Gleiberman puts it, “It works as a totally unhinged yet far from mindless thriller built around a Big Idea.”
The story unfolds as a psychological and physical descent, with Millie and Tim grappling not only with their strained relationship but also with the horrific changes overtaking their bodies. Critics have praised the film’s ability to balance cringe-inducing situations with dark comedy and heartfelt drama. “If you can’t laugh while you squirm, it’s unbearable. Together is more than bearable. It’s really fun,” writes Bill Goodykoontz of the Arizona Republic. The film’s exploration of love’s darker side—fear of losing oneself in a relationship—resonates deeply, making it a standout in the recent wave of body horror films like The Substance and The Ugly Stepsister.
A Stellar Cast Anchored by Real-Life Chemistry
The beating heart of Together is the authentic chemistry between Alison Brie and Dave Franco, whose real-life marriage adds a layer of raw authenticity to their performances. As Millie and Tim, they deliver what critics call “physically impressive” and “emotionally sticky” portrayals, navigating the script’s demanding contortions with ease. “Franco and Brie are really the glue that holds Together together,” notes a Rotten Tomatoes critic, emphasizing their ability to sell both the comedic and horrific elements of the story. Their lived-in dynamic makes every awkward glance and desperate embrace feel painfully real, elevating the film beyond typical genre fare.
Supporting the leads are Damon Herriman and Mia Morrissey, who add depth to the unsettling rural setting. Herriman, known for his chilling roles in Mindhunter and The Nightingale, plays a cryptic local who may know more about the supernatural force than he lets on. Morrissey’s character, a quirky neighbor, injects moments of levity that contrast with the film’s darker tones. The ensemble’s performances, combined with Shanks’ daring direction, create a world that feels both intimate and alienating, perfectly suiting the film’s themes.
Director Michael Shanks, making his feature-length debut after acclaimed shorts and TV episodes, has been lauded for his bold vision. Critics compare his style to David Cronenberg, particularly in how Together literalizes emotional fears through grotesque physicality. “The psychological layers of the script are just as potent as the eventual literalizing of their fears,” writes Adam Graham of the Detroit News. Despite some critiques of a slightly rushed ending and occasional reliance on VFX over practical effects, Shanks’ ability to blend horror, romance, and dark comedy has marked him as a talent to watch.
Plot Twists That Shock and Stick
Together thrives on its surprises, and going in blind is highly recommended to fully appreciate its twisted brilliance. Without spoiling too much, the film’s major plot twists revolve around the nature of the supernatural force and its impact on Millie and Tim’s relationship. One pivotal scene, described by critics as “ickier and more humiliating than we could have imagined,” involves the couple making a desperate, adult choice that pushes their codependency to grotesque extremes. This moment, teased in the trailer with Millie’s complaint about Tim “being on her hair,” has sparked visceral reactions from audiences, with some calling it the most unsettling scene in recent horror memory.
Another twist, unraveling in the latter half of the film, ties into a cult-like element hinted at in the title Together. IMDb reviews praise how “the twist unraveled at the latter part of the movie” aligns perfectly with the film’s themes, revealing the true extent of the force’s influence on the couple and their new community. This revelation recontextualizes earlier scenes, rewarding rewatches for eagle-eyed viewers who spot subtle foreshadowing—like eerie symbols carved in the cave or cryptic warnings from locals. While some critics note that the ending feels “a bit rushed and unsatisfying,” the consensus is that the twists are executed with enough suspense and emotional weight to keep audiences hooked.
The film’s blend of practical and visual effects enhances these shocks, though some fans on Reddit expressed mixed feelings about the VFX quality. “The concept invites difficult VFX work, but it didn’t always look great,” one SXSW attendee commented, though they added that the practical effects in key body horror moments were “gnarly” and effective. The trailer’s freaky sound design and glimpses of distorted limbs have already become talking points, with fans comparing the film’s vibe to a tamer The Substance but with a sharper focus on relationship dynamics.
Fan and Critic Frenzy
Since its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Together has ignited passionate discussions. Its initial 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, based on 55 reviews, dropped to 92% after a few critical voices cited pacing issues and cliché moments. Still, the film’s Certified Fresh status reflects near-unanimous praise, with a Metacritic score of 76/100 based on 28 critics. “It’s the most romantic, queerest, and funniest body horror film in recent memory,” raves one reviewer, while another calls it “a rom-com for sickos.” Social media is abuzz, with Reddit threads like r/movies hyping it as “an ideal midnight date movie for the non-squeamish.”
However, the film hasn’t escaped controversy. In May 2025, Shanks, Brie, Franco, and distributor Neon faced a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement from the 2023 film Better Half. The plaintiff claims similarities in premise and execution, though Shanks asserts his script predates the pitch. While some fans on Reddit expressed skepticism, urging proof of originality, the controversy hasn’t dimmed the film’s critical shine.
Why Together Stands Out
Together is more than just a horror movie; it’s a daring exploration of love’s complexities wrapped in a visceral, often hilarious package. Its 1-hour-42-minute runtime delivers a tight, engaging experience that balances scares, laughs, and poignant moments. With a stellar cast, a fresh take on body horror, and twists that linger long after the credits roll, it’s no wonder the film has earned a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and a spot among 2025’s best horror releases.
Whether you’re a genre aficionado or just curious about a love story with a grotesque twist, Together is a must-see in theaters. As one Reddit user put it, “Go in blind. Its surprises are the film’s biggest strength.” So, grab a date (or go solo if you’re brave) and experience this unhinged, unforgettable ride.
