One of the best things about watching a movie at a festival like Sundance—especially one like Together, directed by a first-time filmmaker—is going in knowing almost nothing. You might have seen a still image and read a vague description on the festival site, but those blurbs exist solely to get you to watch the film, so they can’t always be trusted. Maybe you picked it because you like a certain actor, but even then, you’re walking in blind. And that, honestly, is the best way to experience Together.
Like another fun Sundance 2025 premiere, Oh, Hi!, I’m pretty sure the trailer will give away the film’s big hook, but I won’t. What I will say is that Together is, without a doubt, the most romantic body horror movie I’ve ever seen.
The film stars real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a couple at a crossroads as they prepare to move to a smaller city, leaving their friends behind. She’s a passionate teacher with a promising new opportunity; he’s a failed musician who can’t even drive—making you wonder what Dave Franco’s career might have looked like without a famous brother. They go on a hike, but after an unexpected fall into a cave, something happens that not only transforms their bodies but also puts even more strain on their already fragile relationship.
From the start, it’s clear how confident first-time director Michael Shanks is in his own material. He injects Together with a strong personal voice and clear opinions on relationships, making sure the film never feels like an empty exercise in body horror. Not that it would be a problem if it was—because Together is also just a lot of fun. There’s no wasted time, the pacing is tight, and the film moves effortlessly through its twists. Shanks balances everything with a well-placed sense of humor and an underlying sweetness that keeps things grounded.
The script is solid, but it’s the two leads who truly bring it to life. Alison Brie plays a more vulnerable character than we’re used to seeing from her, and she fully sells Millie’s love for Tim. Franco, on the other hand, isn’t doing anything we haven’t seen from him before, but his comedic timing is as sharp as ever. What really makes their performances work is the natural, effortless chemistry that only a real-life couple can bring. Even when they fight—and even when one of them clearly has a reason to be upset—you still want them to be together. The only thing I wish had been tweaked was the gap between where these two are in life; if their struggles felt a little more balanced, it would have given their relationship a stronger foundation beyond just the actors’ chemistry.
Once the film fully embraces its grotesque body horror elements, it becomes an unsettling experience not for the squeamish. Shanks doesn’t hold back, filming these moments with extreme detail to ensure the audience feels just as unsettled as the characters. You will be covering your eyes. There’s also a well-executed surprise in the third act—one that’s cleverly hinted at but still lands with impact.
If there’s any small stumble, it comes in the very last moment, where a final image doesn’t quite land as effectively as everything before it. It’s a minor misstep—one that doesn’t detract from the overall experience—but it’s noticeable enough to leave a slightly awkward final impression.
Even so, Together’s unique blend of romance and horror cements Michael Shanks as a director to watch, with Alison Brie and Dave Franco’s natural chemistry making Millie and Tim’s relationship feel both heartfelt and believable—even through the film’s strangest turns. Now, the only question left is… what happened to the guitar Tim left at the station?