As an Indian movie enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for films that blend genres in unexpected ways. Together, the 2025 supernatural body horror film starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is one such cinematic treat that’s both unsettling and oddly romantic. Directed by Michael Shanks in his debut, this film has been making waves since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival 2025, and now, with its theatrical release on July 30 in the US and July 31 in Australia, it’s time to dive into why this film is a must-watch for fans of horror, romance, and everything in between.
A Unique Premise That Hits Close to Home
Together follows Millie (Alison Brie) and Tim (Dave Franco), a couple who’ve been together for a decade but are at a crossroads in their relationship. When Millie lands a teaching job in the countryside, the duo moves from the bustling city of Melbourne to a quieter, rural life. As someone who’s seen many Indian films explore the tension between urban dreams and rural realities, this shift felt relatable, almost like a desi couple moving from Mumbai to a small town for a fresh start. But what starts as a hopeful reset for Millie and Tim spirals into a nightmare when they encounter a mysterious force during a hike, leading to grotesque physical transformations that mirror their emotional codependency.
The film’s premise is both wild and deeply philosophical. It takes the idea of “two becoming one” in love—something we often romanticize in Indian culture through songs like Ek Dil Ek Jaan—and twists it into a literal, body-horror manifestation. The concept reminded me of how our Bollywood films sometimes use metaphors like saath janmo ka bandhan (a bond for seven lifetimes) but pushed to a delightfully unhinged extreme.
Alison Brie and Dave Franco: A Chemistry That Sizzles
The real-life chemistry between Alison Brie and Dave Franco is the beating heart of Together. Their performances as Millie and Tim are raw, authentic, and layered with the kind of lived-in familiarity that only a married couple could bring. As an Indian viewer, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to iconic on-screen pairs like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, whose real-life rapport often elevates their roles. Here, Brie and Franco bicker, love, and suffer with such conviction that you feel their decade-long history. Brie’s Millie is a sensitive yet frustrated schoolteacher, while Franco’s Tim is a struggling musician grappling with personal trauma. Their scenes—whether they’re sniping at each other or facing the film’s gory horrors—are electric.
One standout moment is when the couple, stuck together in ways I won’t spoil, navigate a particularly cringe-worthy scene involving a restroom mishap. It’s equal parts hilarious and horrifying, a balance that Shanks masterfully maintains. For Indian audiences who enjoy the mix of humor and horror in films like Stree or Bhool Bhulaiyaa, this scene will hit all the right notes.
A Blend of Horror and Heart
Together is a body-horror rom-com, a genre mash-up that’s rare in Indian cinema but feels like it could inspire a filmmaker like Anurag Kashyap to try something similar. The practical effects are gnarly yet ingenious, reminiscent of David Cronenberg’s visceral style but with a cheeky, almost Bollywood-level absurdity. From fused bodies to unsettling transformations, the film doesn’t shy away from gross-out moments, yet it never loses sight of its emotional core: the struggle to balance love with individuality.
The film’s exploration of codependency is particularly poignant. In Indian culture, where relationships are often seen as a merging of souls, Together asks tough questions: How much of yourself do you lose when you’re too intertwined with your partner? This theme, paired with the film’s supernatural elements, feels like a modern take on the kind of philosophical musings you’d find in a Satyajit Ray film, albeit wrapped in blood and goop.
Cultural Context and Indian Appeal
For Indian audiences, Together might resonate as a bold departure from our usual fare. While we’re no strangers to horror-comedy (Golmaal Again, anyone?), the film’s unflinching gore and mature themes (it’s rated R for violence, sexual content, and nudity) might feel closer to international cult classics than mainstream Bollywood. Yet, its focus on love’s complexities could appeal to fans of emotional dramas like Dil Dhadakne Do or Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. The rural setting, with its creepy forests and mysterious caves, also evokes the eerie vibes of Indian folk-horror tales, like those set in haunted villages.
Damon Herriman’s supporting role as Jamie, Millie’s enigmatic colleague, adds another layer of intrigue. His ambiguous character reminded me of the morally grey figures in Indian thrillers, keeping you guessing about his true intentions.
Critical Reception and Controversy
Together has earned a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 55 reviews, with critics praising its originality and Brie and Franco’s performances. The film’s ability to blend “emotionally sticky” themes with “memorably gnarly” visuals has been a highlight, though some note the third act falters slightly in predictability. As an Indian viewer, I appreciate how the film doesn’t spoon-feed its audience, much like our own indie gems such as Tumbbad.
However, the film isn’t without controversy. A lawsuit filed in May 2025 alleges that Together is a “blatant rip-off” of the 2023 indie film Better Half, claiming similarities in its codependency-driven body-horror premise. The filmmakers, including Shanks, Brie, and Franco, have denied these claims, asserting that Together was independently created and inspired by Shanks’ personal experiences. While this legal battle adds a layer of intrigue, it doesn’t detract from the film’s impact.
Why You Should Watch
Together is a wild ride that’s perfect for Indian audiences who crave something fresh yet emotionally resonant. It’s a film that dares to be gross, funny, and heartfelt all at once, much like how our own cinema blends masala with meaning. Whether you’re a horror buff, a romance enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, this film delivers. Plus, watching Brie and Franco lean into their roles with such gusto is a treat—think of it as Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone tackling a gore-fest with heart.
Grab your popcorn (and maybe a barf bag), and catch Together in theaters. It’s a date movie for the brave, a horror flick for the romantics, and a bold debut that’ll leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
Release Dates: July 30, 2025 (US), July 31, 2025 (Australia)
Running Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Where to Watch: In theaters (check local listings for India release updates)
