Together (2025) by Michael Shanks: The Grotesque Reality of Codependent Love

Short Summary: When "Till Death Do Us Part" Becomes Too Literal Together is a groundbreaking body horror film starring real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, whose strained decade-long relationship takes a terrifying turn after they move to the countryside. A mysterious, unnatural force they encounter literally begins to fuse their bodies together, turning their co-dependency into a visceral nightmare. This film is a squirm-inducing, darkly humorous, and ultimately profound exploration of the literal and figurative pains of being "stuck" together in a long-term relationship.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31184028/

Link Review: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/together-alison-brie-dave-franco-neon-film-review-2025

About movie: https://www.neonrated.com/film/together

Link to watch: https://www.amazon.com/Together-Michael-Shanks/dp/B0F9SBXV2N/ (US)

Detailed Summary: A Couple's Love Gets Under Their Skin Together delves into the complexities of a long-term relationship pushed to horrific extremes.

• The film introduces Tim (Dave Franco) and Millie (Alison Brie), a couple in a romantic rut after a decade together. They decide to move from the city to a remote country town, where Millie has accepted a teaching job, hoping for a fresh start.

• Tensions are already high between the pair, with Tim struggling with his stagnant music career and Millie feeling the weight of the move and his emotional neglect. Tim also has nightmares about his dead parents.

• Things take a grotesque turn after a day of hiking leads to an unexpected overnight stay in a mysterious and seemingly supernatural underground cavern. They encounter strange bells and Tim drinks some ominous cave water.

• Upon their return, their bodies become uncontrollably drawn to each other, to increasingly squirm-inducing effect. Their need to be in each other's presence becomes all-consuming, causing their bodies to start to literally fuse together.

• Desperate, they resort to muscle relaxers to slow the process and even reluctantly use a buzzsaw to separate their merged arms in a horrifying sequence.

• This allows Millie to seek help from her fellow teacher, Jamie (Damon Herriman), who introduces the concept of an "enmeshment curse" and the idea of "becoming whole." Jamie represents societal pushes towards monogamy and traditional values.

• Meanwhile, Tim returns to the cavern, discovering the horrifying fate of a previously missing couple who are now grotesquely merged mutants, foreshadowing their own potential future.

• The film culminates in a shocking yet, for the characters, "romantic" resolution, as they accept their physical transformation and literally "become whole," with a final shot hinting at their acceptance of a cult-like belief system.

Director's Vision: The Visceral Horror of Co-dependence Michael Shanks, in his feature directorial debut, boldly translates the metaphorical anxieties of a long-term relationship into a visceral body horror experience.

• Shanks aims to transform the idea of two people merging into one—both metaphorically and literally—into a squirm-inducing, fleshy horror. He states the story is "in many ways" based on his own 16-year relationship.

• He wanted to explore the "potential horror of sharing a life with someone; the lingering anxieties of commitment writ large," delving into themes of co-dependency, monogamy, romance, and resentments.

• The director seamlessly blends romantic comedy and relationship drama tropes with grotesque body horror, creating a film that is both emotionally resonant and viscerally shocking.

• Shanks, who also handles visual effects, intended to make the themes expressed through visuals, designing the screenplay with these technically difficult horror effects in mind.

• He purposefully creates a "happy ending" of sorts, where the physical fusion is presented as a "romantic and loving resolution" once the characters accept it, challenging conventional notions of horror and romance.

Themes: Co-dependency, Transformation, and the Horrors of Commitment Together explores deeply personal and universal themes through its extreme premise.

• Co-dependency and Loss of Self: The central theme revolves around the dangers and anxieties of co-dependency in a long-term relationship, where individuals can literally or figuratively lose their independent identities.

• The Body as a Metaphor for Relationship Woes: The physical fusing and grotesque transformations serve as a potent, visceral metaphor for the emotional and psychological intertwining that occurs in deeply committed relationships, highlighting both its beauty and its potential for horror.

• Commitment and Fear of the Future: The film tackles the anxieties surrounding long-term commitment, the fear of being "stuck," and the transformative (and sometimes terrifying) nature of sharing one's entire life with another person.

• Love vs. Habit: It questions whether a long-standing relationship is genuinely solid and loving, or merely a product of habit and an inability to be apart.

• Loss and Letting Go: While nobody "dies" in the traditional sense, the film examines the theme of loss in terms of shedding toxic dynamics and past selves to allow a relationship to "prosper," even if that means a horrifying physical transformation.

Key Success Factors: A Unique Blend of Genre and Star Power Together's critical and commercial success is built on several key factors.

• Bold Genre Blending: Its audacious fusion of romantic drama/comedy with grotesque body horror creates a truly unique cinematic experience that stands out.

• Star Power and Chemistry: Casting real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as the leads not only generates immediate interest but also brings an authentic, palpable chemistry to the screen, allowing them to fully commit to the demanding roles.

• High Concept Premise: The literal "sticking together" concept is inherently memorable and immediately grabs attention, making it a buzz-worthy film.

• Visceral Visuals and Practical Effects: The film's commitment to delivering squirm-inducing body horror visuals, often through practical effects, satisfies the genre audience and creates unforgettable moments.

• Critical Acclaim: The overwhelmingly positive critical reception, especially its high Rotten Tomatoes score, has propelled it into the conversation as one of the year's best horror films.

Awards and Nominations: Sundance Buzz and Critical Acclaim Together has quickly become an awards-season dark horse for the horror genre, specifically for its performances and unique premise.

• The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the Midnight section, generating immediate buzz and leading to its acquisition by Neon.

• It has received widespread critical acclaim, culminating in a staggering 98% "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 55 critics, making it one of the highest-rated horror films of 2025.

• Critics have hailed it as a "body horror masterpiece," with some calling it "the most romantic horror movie ever made" and "the best horror movie of 2025 thus far."

• While specific major awards nominations beyond its Sundance buzz have not been widely announced yet (as of late July 2025), its critical reception strongly positions it for genre awards and potential recognition in broader film circles.

Critics Reception: "Body Horror Masterpiece" and "Romantic Horror" Critics have universally praised Together for its audacity, blend of genres, and stellar performances.

• Rotten Tomatoes: Holds a 98% "Certified Fresh" rating, based on a significant number of reviews. The critical consensus calls it "a body horror that's as emotionally sticky as it is memorably gnarly," with Brie and Franco "at the top of their game."

• EntertainmentNow: Labels it a "Body Horror Masterpiece" and quotes a critic stating it "resonates beautiful-ugly in your mind's eye in a way that would do Cronenberg... proud."

• Screen Rant: Describes it as a "wild horror romance" where "Brie and Franco go completely all-in with a gleefully strange concept," praising Shanks' screenplay for its "great blend of unrelenting horror and laughably uncomfortable moments." They call it a "delightfully squirm-worthy horror comedy" that "excels at conveying the dangers of codependence."

• Awards Radar: Calls it a "gnarly yet wonderfully fun look at Alison Brie and Dave Franco Navigating the Body Horror of Codependent Relationships," hailing it as an "absolutely great" film that elevates the genre.

• Overall Summary: Critics are effusive in their praise, highlighting the film's ability to seamlessly blend romantic comedy/drama with grotesque body horror. They commend Michael Shanks' direction and script for its originality and depth, and the "jaw-dropping" and "exceptional" performances by Dave Franco and Alison Brie, noting their undeniable chemistry.

Reviews: A Wildly Entertaining and Unforgettable Ride Audience and general reviews mirror the critics' enthusiasm, recognizing Together as a unique and impactful horror experience.

• IMDb: Early user ratings contribute to its overall positive buzz.

• Social Media (X): Users have widely recommended seeing the film in theaters, with one user stating, "Together is definitely a movie that needs to be seen in a theatre with a crowd, don't miss this one. Easily one of my favorites of the year so far."

• Vulture: Notes the film "caused a stir with its body-horror stylings at an otherwise sedate-sounding Sundance in January."

• Overall Summary: Reviews emphasize the film's "twisted, f–ked-up romance," its ability to provoke both laughter and gasps, and its "unforgettable images." It's described as a "hilarious and wild fun time from the body horror heavens," a "must-see," and a "bloody good time" that redefines what horror can achieve.

Release date on streaming: Estimated January 2026 (Hulu) Together is being distributed by Neon, which has a streaming deal with Hulu. Based on Neon's previous releases, the film is estimated to release on Hulu in January 2026 at the earliest, approximately 153 days after its theatrical release. Before streaming, it is expected to come to digital marketplaces for rental and purchase around mid to late September 2025, approximately 41 days after its theatrical debut.

Theatrical Release: July 30, 2025 (USA) / August 1, 2025 (Wide) Together received a theatrical release in the United States starting on July 30, 2025, with wider theatrical showings beginning on August 1, 2025. Many theaters also offered Thursday night preview showings on July 31. It has been strongly recommended by critics and social media users to be seen in theaters due to its immersive experience.

Why to watch this movie: A Fearfully Romantic and Inventive Ride Together is a must-watch for its unique take on horror and relationships.

• Innovative Body Horror: It's a groundbreaking film that pushes the boundaries of the body horror subgenre, offering genuinely squirm-inducing and unforgettable visuals.

• Exceptional Performances: Dave Franco and Alison Brie deliver "jaw-dropping" and "exceptional" performances, bringing both vulnerability and intensity to their roles. Their real-life chemistry adds an extra layer of authenticity.

• Smart and Thought-Provoking: Beyond the gore, the film offers a sharp, witty, and profound exploration of co-dependency, commitment, and the complexities of long-term relationships.

• Genre-Bending Brilliance: Its seamless blend of romantic comedy, relationship drama, and grotesque horror creates a viewing experience unlike anything else released this year.

• Director's Promising Debut: Michael Shanks showcases an incredible vision and polished execution in his first feature film, signaling a major new voice in horror cinema.

What Movie Trend film is following: The Body Horror Resurgence Together is a prime example of the Body Horror Resurgence trend that has been gaining significant momentum in contemporary cinema. This trend sees filmmakers revisiting and reinventing the subgenre pioneered by directors like David Cronenberg and Brian Yuzna, focusing on the grotesque mutilation or transformation of the human body to explore psychological, social, or existential anxieties. Together literalizes the anxieties of co-dependency and relationships through physical fusion, proving the genre's continued relevance and its ability to carry profound emotional weight. Films like The Substance (also a 2025 release) further solidify this trend's mainstream comeback.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Modern Relationship Conundrum and Mental Load Together taps into the significant social trend concerning the complexities of modern long-term relationships and the often unequal distribution of emotional and mental load within them. The film's depiction of Tim's stagnation and emotional neglect, contrasted with Millie's drive and the burden she carries, resonates with contemporary discussions about relationship dynamics, co-dependency, and the challenges of maintaining individual identity within a partnership. The literal "fusion" can be seen as a horrifying metaphor for the feeling of being consumed by a relationship or losing oneself within another person's struggles, a common anxiety in an age of increased self-awareness and focus on individual well-being.

Final Verdict: A Horrifyingly Intimate Masterpiece Michael Shanks' Together is not just a horror film; it's a bold, innovative, and deeply unsettling exploration of love, commitment, and the terrifying realities of co-dependency. Anchored by the incredible chemistry and fearless performances of Dave Franco and Alison Brie, it masterfully blends romantic drama with grotesque body horror, creating a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. With its critical acclaim and shocking premise, Together is a must-see for anyone seeking a truly inventive and thought-provoking horror film that will leave you squirming, laughing, and contemplating the true meaning of being "together." It's one of the defining horror films of 2025.