Together (2025) – Review & Box Office Report
- Boxofficehype
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Director: Michael Shanks
Writers: Michael Shanks
Starring: Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman
Genre: Supernatural Body Horror, Romance, Psychological Drama
Runtime: 102 minutes
Budget: $17 million
Worldwide Gross: $15.5 million (as of August 9, 2025)
A Bold and Unsettling Directorial Debut
Together marks the feature directorial debut of Michael Shanks, and it’s a daring first outing. The film blends supernatural horror with intimate relationship drama, delivering a deeply unsettling experience that is as much about emotional intimacy as it is about physical terror.
Starring real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie, the film follows Tim and Millie—two lovers at a crossroads—who move to the countryside for a fresh start. Instead, they encounter a mysterious force that physically fuses their bodies together in increasingly grotesque ways. What begins as a metaphor for codependency and emotional entanglement quickly spirals into nightmarish body horror.
Plot in Brief (Spoiler-Free)
Tim and Millie’s already fragile relationship is put to the test after they explore a mysterious cave. Their strange experiences there trigger a supernatural pull toward each other, manifesting in disturbing and painful physical connections. As they struggle to understand what’s happening, they uncover a chilling truth about others who have shared their fate—and must decide whether to resist or embrace the horrifying transformation.
Performances
Dave Franco brings a layered performance as Tim, torn between love, fear, and guilt.
Alison Brie shines as Millie, whose journey from apprehension to tragic acceptance is heartbreaking.
Damon Herriman delivers an eerie and memorable turn as Jamie, the neighbor with disturbing secrets.
Their real-life chemistry adds authenticity, making the horror more personal and emotionally charged.
Themes & Direction
Shanks uses body horror as a metaphor for the extremes of love, co-dependence, and the fear of losing individuality in a relationship. The “fusion” sequences are grotesque yet strangely poetic, echoing the classic Cronenbergian style but with a romantic tragedy at its heart.
The cinematography by Germain McMicking captures the isolation of the countryside, while Cornel Wilczek’s unsettling score amplifies the creeping dread.
Box Office Performance
Opening Weekend (Domestic): $10.9 million – exceeding projections of $7.5–10 million
Total Domestic Gross (as of Aug 9, 2025): $14.6 million
International Gross: $925,145
Worldwide Total: $15.5 million
While the film has yet to recoup its reported $17 million budget, strong festival buzz and positive reviews suggest it may have a healthy post-theatrical life on streaming and home media.
Critical Reception
Together premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews, with critics praising its originality, emotional depth, and unsettling imagery. The blend of relationship drama and horror won over genre fans and arthouse audiences alike.
Verdict
Together is not for the faint of heart—it’s visceral, emotional, and disturbing. But for those willing to embrace its strange beauty, it offers a haunting meditation on love, connection, and the terrifying idea of becoming one—literally.
A must-watch for fans of psychological horror and intimate, character-driven storytelling.
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