Together (2025): Alison Brie & Dave Franco in a Disturbing Body‑Horror Drama | Plot, Cast & Facts
Together (2025): An In-Depth Friendly Review — Everything You Need to Know!
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π Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be “together” in a relationship? What if being together went beyond emotions, conversations, and shared moments… and turned literal? This is precisely the bold premise at the heart of Together (2025), one of the most talked-about films of the year.
With its captivating performances, unique storyline, and highly stylized body horror, Together delivers an experience that is both unsettling and deeply emotional. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and quickly earned critical acclaim, making it one of the best-reviewed films of 2025.
In this long, friendly, and detailed review, we’ll cover absolutely everything you need to know about Together — its plot, performances, behind-the-scenes stories, critical reception, deleted scene speculation, and much more. So, grab a cozy spot and read on!
⚡️ Quick Facts
Here’s a snapshot for those who want the essentials:
- Title: Together (2025)
- Director & Writer: Michael Shanks (Feature Debut)
- Stars: Alison Brie (Millie), Dave Franco (Tim), Damon Herriman (Jamie), Mia Morrissey (Sarah)
- Genre: Body-Horror, Drama, Psychological Thriller
- Premiere: Sundance Film Festival (January 26, 2025)
- Theatrical Release: July 30, 2025 (USA) by NEON
- Runtime: 102 minutes
- Rating: R (For graphic nudity, disturbing imagery, language)
- Box Office Estimate (Opening): $3–5 million (estimated)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100% from 48 critic reviews
- Metacritic Score: 76 (Generally Favorable)
π° The Story
The story revolves around a couple in crisis: Millie (Alison Brie) and Tim (Dave Franco). Seeking respite from their turbulent relationship, they take a trip deep into the woods, hoping that isolation and nature can help heal the wounds between them.
One evening, they explore a secluded cave near their lodge and disturb an unseen force. Suddenly, Tim and Millie’s bodies become drawn to each other… inexorably, unnaturally, and quite literally. They begin to fuse together, piece by piece, until their identities — and their bodies — start to meld into one monstrous being.
This strange phenomenon acts as both literal terror and a powerful metaphor for codependency and intimacy. Together, Tim and Millie must grapple with their fear, desperation, and the nature of belonging itself.
π₯ The Cast and Performances
What makes Together stand out is its powerhouse performances, especially from its leads:
π Alison Brie as Millie
Brie shines in one of her best performances yet. As Millie, she captures the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. Her character is relatable — a woman grappling with heartbreak, desperation, and identity — making her gradual physical and emotional fusion with Tim deeply compelling.
π Dave Franco as Tim
Franco delivers a performance that showcases range and vulnerability. As Tim, he captures the terror and guilt of a man trying desperately to save a relationship — and save himself from literal merging. Together marks one of the best performances of his career.
π Damon Herriman as Jamie
Herriman provides an intriguing supporting role as a cave guide. His character adds mystery, comic relief, and depth, making the strange events feel grounded and realistic.
π Mia Morrissey as Sarah
Morrissey shines as a supporting character providing context and emotional weight. Together, this talented cast delivers a realistic depiction of a relationship in crisis, making the body horror elements more captivating and effective.
π₯ Director Michael Shanks: A Bold Vision
Director Michael Shanks came into this project with a fresh, bold voice. Together is Shanks’ feature directorial debut, and he delivers a mix of psychological depth and visceral terror that you rarely see in first-time filmmakers.
Shanks has stated in interviews that the film is an exploration of closeness, vulnerability, and identity — ideas inspired by watching couples and questioning the nature of intimacy itself. Together showcases Shanks’ flair for blending grounded human stories with surreal imagery, making it a must-watch for fans of both horror and drama.
π» What Makes Together So Unique
There are countless horror movies about couples, but Together feels different. Here’s why:
✅ Original Concept: The literal merging of two people goes beyond traditional “monsters” and taps into deep-rooted fears about belonging and vulnerability.
✅ Strong Performances: Brie and Franco have an organic chemistry as a real-life couple. Their deep understanding of one another shines onscreen.
✅ Practical Effects: Instead of relying too much on CGI, the film uses practical prosthetics and make-up. The results? An uncanny, visceral depiction of merging bodies that will haunt you long after the credits roll.
✅ Emotional Core: Beneath its disturbing surface, Together is about relationships, identity, and belonging. Its body horror is a visual depiction of codependency — making its message universally resonant.
π©Ί The Body Horror Element
For horror aficionados, Together delivers in spades. Its depiction of merging bodies — bones snapping, skin stretching, and limbs fusing — is gruesome and highly effective.
More than that, it’s deeply symbolic. The fusion of Tim and Millie mirrors the emotional merging couples experience in long‑term relationships. It questions where one person ends and another begins, making the terror both literal and psychological.
π Themes Explored
Together is about much more than its surface shock value. At its heart, it explores:
- Codependency vs. Independence: What happens when couples lose themselves in one another? Together literalizes this idea.
- Trust and Vulnerability: The merging is a nightmarish depiction of letting someone else in completely.
- Isolation: The rural setting mirrors the couple’s emotional isolation from the world.
- Change and Identity: What does it mean to evolve within a relationship? The characters’ literal transformation captures the fear and beauty of becoming a new person.
π¬ Behind the Scenes
Making Together was no easy feat. Here are some behind‑the‑scenes highlights:
- π₯ Location: The film was shot in remote areas of Australia and the United States, allowing the team to capture an authentically isolated and eerie atmosphere.
- π Practical Effects: Director Michael Shanks wanted to use as many prosthetic effects as possible. The merging sequences were achieved using elaborate makeup and body suits, making the transformations feel real and disturbing.
- π₯ Cast Chemistry: As a real‑life couple, Brie and Franco brought their intimacy and trust to the screen. Their chemistry added depth and realism, making the body‑horror moments more impactful.
- π Emotional Challenges: Both leads spoke openly about the emotional toll of the intense shoot — from long hours in prosthetic make‑up to inhabiting moments of vulnerability and terror.
π Deleted Scenes and What Might Be Coming
Although official deleted scenes have not been announced, there are strong indications that some intriguing moments may surface later:
- π₯ Extended Relationship Scenes: Early moments between Tim and Millie, providing deeper context for their struggles.
- π©Ί Additional Transformation Scenes: More detailed or graphic moments depicting the merging process.
- π¦ Alternate Endings: Speculation has surfaced about an alternate ending that could have taken the story in a darker or hopeful direction.
With NEON releasing Together, we can expect some special edition home release packed with behind‑the‑scenes goodies and deleted scenes.
π Box Office and Critical Response
With its premiere at Sundance, Together quickly gained buzz and solidified itself as one of the best films of the year:
- Box Office: Early estimates project an opening weekend gross of $3–5 million. Its strong critical reception and word‑of‑mouth appeal may give it longer legs in specialty and indie markets.
- Critics: Together holds a rare 100% rating from 48 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid 76 on Metacritic. Critics have praised its originality, performances, and thematic depth.
⚖️ The Lawsuit Drama
In May 2025, StudioFest sued the Together team, claiming that the film’s concept is too similar to their earlier work, Better Half (2023). The suit named NEON, Michael Shanks, and the cast as defendants.
While lawsuits like this aren’t uncommon in Hollywood, NEON has stated that Together was registered long before Better Half was announced. The case is ongoing, and we’ll be updating this review as more information emerges.
π Cultural Impact and Genre Context
Although Together is still fresh, it’s already making a mark within the body‑horror and psychological thriller space. Similar to films like The Fly, Skinamarink, and Possession, Together taps into a rich tradition of body‑horror films that explore deeper questions about intimacy, belonging, and the nature of identity.
With its strong reception and bold storytelling, Together is poised to be remembered as one of the best genre films of the 2020s.
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π₯ Interesting Facts About Together (2025)
Here are some intriguing and verified facts about the film that make it even more captivating:
✅ Feature Debut for Michael Shanks: Together is Michael Shanks’ first feature film as a director and writer. Before this, he gained attention for short films and music videos.
✅ Real‑Life Couple: The stars, Alison Brie and Dave Franco, are married in real life. Their natural intimacy adds a unique, realistic depth to their performances.
✅ 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score at Release: Upon its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Together received a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 48 reviews), making it one of the best‑reviewed films of the year.
✅ Strong Indie Sales: NEON picked up the distribution rights for roughly $17 million shortly after the film debuted at Sundance. This was one of the biggest sales of the festival.
✅ Original Concept: The story of Together was registered by Michael Shanks and his team in 2019, making it an original work long before any similar ideas surfaced.
✅ Inspired by 80s Body Horror: The practical effects and disturbing imagery draw strong parallels to classic body‑horror films like David Cronenberg’s The Fly, combined with the psychological depth of movies like Possession (1981).
✅ Practical Special Effects: Most of the merging sequences were done using traditional prosthetics, makeup, and puppeteering rather than relying on CGI, making the visual effects more realistic and unsettling.
✅ Lawsuit Drama: In May 2025, StudioFest sued the filmmakers and NEON, claiming the concept resembled their earlier project, Better Half. The cast and crew have firmly stated that the ideas were independently developed.
✅ Filming Location: The film was shot on location in rural Australia, chosen for its remote, eerie landscapes that reflect the emotional isolation of the characters.
✅ Real‑Life Chemistry: Critics have pointed out that the palpable chemistry between Brie and Franco, combined with their mutual trust and understanding as a couple, makes the merging sequences more affecting and authentic.
✅ Theme of Identity: According to director Michael Shanks, the film is a meditation on belonging and loss of identity within relationships — making it one of the most thought‑provoking films of the year.
✅ Limited Release, Big Impact: Despite its indie status and relatively low budget, Together has quickly become a critical darling and is anticipated to build a strong cult following upon its wider release.
π― Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Together (2025) about?
A: Together is a body‑horror thriller about a couple that becomes literally merged into one being after entering a mysterious cave.
Q2: Is Together based on a true story?
A: No, Together is an original story written and directed by Michael Shanks.
Q3: When will Together be available to stream?
A: NEON has announced a theatrical release for July 30, 2025, with streaming likely to follow later in the year.
Q4: Is Together too disturbing to watch?
A: Together contains graphic body‑horror and nudity. It may be too intense for sensitive viewers.
Q5: Will there be a sequel?
A: No official sequel announced, but its strong reception might lead to further projects from the same team.
⚡️ Final Thoughts
Together (2025) is an extraordinary film — bold, disturbing, yet deeply human. Its blend of body‑horror and emotional depth creates an experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
With mesmerizing performances from Alison Brie and Dave Franco, remarkable direction by Michael Shanks, and its unflinching examination of intimacy and belonging, Together is one of the best films of 2025.
If you’re a fan of unique, thought‑provoking films — or just love body‑horror done right — Together is an absolute must‑watch.
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