As the summer movie season heats up, horror fans have a new reason to circle July 30 on their calendars. "Together," a cosmic body horror film starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is set to hit theaters, promising a chilling blend of romance, supernatural terror, and psychological unraveling. Directed and written by Michael Shanks in his feature debut, the film has already garnered significant buzz, boasting a pristine 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 50 reviews.
At its core, "Together" explores the complex dynamics of a long-term relationship pushed to its limits. Brie and Franco play Tim and Millie, a couple who, after years together, decide to leave behind their familiar urban lives and move to the countryside. This change of scenery, however, is anything but a fresh start. Instead, it becomes the backdrop for a nightmarish encounter with an unnatural force that threatens not only their lives but also the very fabric of their love and physical selves.
The film’s teaser trailer, released by NEON, cleverly uses a photo album motif to chart the trajectory of Tim and Millie's relationship — from tender, romantic moments to increasingly disturbing and eerie encounters. This visual storytelling device deepens the unsettling atmosphere, inviting viewers to witness the slow decay of what was once a seemingly strong bond. The teaser’s eerie tone is amplified by the inclusion of personal outtakes showcasing Brie and Franco’s real-life romance, lending an additional layer of intimacy and authenticity to their on-screen chemistry.
Michael Shanks, who also penned the screenplay, has described the story as deeply personal. In a statement addressing a recent copyright lawsuit alleging similarities between "Together" and another project titled "Better Half," Shanks explained that the film draws from his own experiences. “Have you ever been in a relationship so long that the line between you and the other person starts to blur?” he asked. Having been with his partner for over 16 years, Shanks said the film reflects the entanglement of identity, love, and co-dependence he has lived through. He further revealed that the protagonist Tim’s struggles, including the loss of his father and unfulfilled musical ambitions, are rooted in Shanks’ own life. “To now be accused of stealing this story — one so deeply based on my own lived experience, one I’ve developed over the course of several years — is devastating and has taken a heavy toll,” he added.
“Together” made its debut in the Midnight section of the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it quickly caught the attention of critics and audiences alike. Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting praised the film’s “unique blend of awkward romantic dramedy and cosmic body horror,” noting that it delivered “no shortage of crowd-pleasing moments and horror freakouts” that left the Sundance audience both laughing and screaming. Chris Bumbray of JoBlo gave the film an 8/10 rating, highlighting its “electric energy” and “propulsive pace and style” reminiscent of the best 1980s horror movies, a compliment that speaks volumes about the film’s ability to invigorate the genre.
The film’s cast extends beyond the leads, featuring actors such as Damon Herriman, known for his role in "The Bondsman," Sunny S. Walia from "Shantaram," Jack Kenny of "Fires," and Mia Morrissey from "Totally Completely Fine." Additional cast members include Tom Considine, Karl Richmond, Sarah Lang, Melanie Beddie, Rob Brown, and newcomers MJ Dorning and Charlie Lees, rounding out a diverse ensemble that supports the film’s eerie and emotionally charged narrative.
Produced by Erik Feig of Picturestart, Lia Burman of Tango, alongside Brie, Franco, Mike Cowan, and Andrew Mittman, "Together" benefits from a collaborative production team that has helped bring Shanks’ vision to life. NEON, the film’s distributor, has rated it R for violent and disturbing content, sexual content, graphic nudity, language, and brief drug use, signaling that audiences should prepare for a mature and intense cinematic experience.
Dave Franco, who previously directed Alison Brie in the 2023 romance "Somebody I Used to Know" and the horror film "The Rental," described "Together" as the most immersive project they have undertaken together. “We’re very picky about what we choose to do, especially when we’re onscreen together, just because we don’t want to burn people out on us,” he said. This careful selection process appears to have paid off, with the film’s reception at Sundance and its growing anticipation among horror aficionados.
Interestingly, the film’s release comes amid legal controversy. StudioFest filed a copyright lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that Brie and Franco had declined to star in their film "Better Half," which allegedly shares specific parallels with "Together." The lawsuit claims that the actors then developed "Together" with Shanks at WME. Despite these allegations, Shanks’ statement underscores the film’s originality and personal significance, emphasizing years of development and the deeply autobiographical nature of the story.
As the release date approaches, the combination of supernatural horror, relationship drama, and body horror elements makes "Together" a standout in this year’s cinematic lineup. It promises to challenge viewers with its exploration of love’s fragility under extreme circumstances and the terrifying ways in which external forces can infiltrate and corrupt even the most intimate bonds.
For fans eager to catch a glimpse, the latest trailer and photo album teaser offer haunting glimpses into the film’s unsettling world, blending the real and the surreal, the romantic and the horrific. With its July 30 theatrical release, "Together" is poised to leave a lasting impression on both genre enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
