5 Reasons Why Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together Is a Must-Watch Horror Hit in 2025

Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together is already generating spine-chilling buzz as one of 2025’s most anticipated horror films, and for good reason.

This body-horror masterpiece, directed by Michael Shanks, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, sparking a $17 million bidding war won by Neon.

Starring the real-life couple as a codependent pair facing a nightmarish supernatural force, the film blends romance, comedy, and grotesque thrills.

Here are five compelling reasons why Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together deserves a spot on your must-watch list when it hits theaters on July 30, 2025.

Why Is Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together a Standout Horror Film?

Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together isn’t just another horror flick—it’s a bold exploration of codependency wrapped in visceral body horror. The film follows Tim (Franco) and Millie (Brie), a couple at a crossroads who move to the countryside, only to encounter a mysterious force that physically and emotionally binds them.

The trailer, released by Neon on March 19, 2025, teases unsettling imagery—like lips fusing during a kiss and eerie close-ups of contorting bodies—set to a haunting piano arrangement of Lakmé’s Flower Duet.

With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from 48 reviews, critics praise its “wildly entertaining” blend of humor and horror, making it a genre-defining hit.

What Makes the Chemistry of Alison Brie and Dave Franco So Special?

As a married couple in real life, Alison Brie and Dave Franco bring an authentic, lived-in chemistry to Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together. Their performances as Tim and Millie elevate the film, with critics noting their ability to balance “cringe humor” and heartfelt drama.

Brie, known for GLOW, commands the screen with charisma, while Franco, fresh from Love Lies Bleeding, adds a compelling darkness. Their real-life bond allows for seamless portrayals of a couple whose bickering feels raw yet relatable, amplifying the film’s emotional stakes.

At Sundance, Brie shared that their decade-long relationship fueled the film’s meta quality, especially in scenes requiring intense physical intimacy.

How Does the Body-Horror Genre Shine in Together?

Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together pushes body horror to new extremes, drawing comparisons to The Substance and David Cronenberg’s works. The trailer hints at grotesque transformations—think bone-crunching contortions and sticky goop—triggered by a supernatural force in a creepy cave.

Director Michael Shanks, in his feature debut, crafts crowd-pleasing horror sequences with stellar special effects, earning praise for “sequences you’ve never seen before.” X posts rave about the film’s “Lovecraftian” vibe, with @NextBestPicture calling it a “gruesome date movie” that delivers screams and laughs.

Rated R for violence, nudity, and language, it’s a bold, unapologetic ride for horror fans.

Why Is Michael Shanks’ Directorial Debut a Game-Changer?

Michael Shanks’ first feature film, Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together, marks him as a talent to watch. Critics at Sundance lauded his ability to blend romantic comedy, relationship drama, and cosmic horror, with The Hollywood Reporter noting its “midnight movie” appeal.

Despite a copyright lawsuit alleging similarities to the 2023 indie Better Half—which Shanks and Neon deny—the film’s originality shines through. Shanks’ vision, backed by producers Brie and Franco, creates a unique narrative that explores codependency through a “zany crowd-pleaser” lens, setting a high bar for 2025 horror releases.

What’s the Buzz Surrounding Together’s Festival Success?

Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together stole the spotlight at Sundance 2025, where it premiered in the Midnight section on January 26. The film’s electric reception led to a fierce bidding war, with Neon securing it for $17 million, outpacing A24 and Netflix.

Its SXSW screening in March 2025 further amplified hype, with X users like @JoeySpielberg calling it “nightmare fuel” for horror lovers. Posts on X highlight its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and comparisons to 2025’s top horror titles like Nosferatu and 28 Years Later, cementing its status as a cultural must-see.

Highlights of Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together:

• Release Date: July 30, 2025, in U.S. theaters (August 1 in Australia).

• Stars: Alison Brie as Millie, Dave Franco as Tim, with Damon Herriman.

• Director: Michael Shanks, making his feature debut.

• Genre: Body horror with romantic comedy and drama elements.

• Rating: R for violent content, graphic nudity, and language.

• Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes, distributed by Neon.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together is more than a horror film—it’s a daring, hilarious, and grotesque exploration of love and codependency that’s captivating audiences and critics alike.

With its stellar leads, innovative direction, and festival buzz, this film is poised to be a 2025 standout. Don’t miss Alison Brie & Dave Franco’s Together when it hits theaters on July 30—join the conversation on X and brace for an unforgettable ride.