Dave Franco horror movie success is at an all-time high with Together, which currently holds a striking 99% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer. Released in 2025, this film starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie has outpaced nearly all other horror films this year, gaining immense critical acclaim for its unique blend of body horror and relationship drama.
Together, directed by Michael Shanks, debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and quickly earned rave reviews for its inventive storytelling and compelling performances. The movie stands out in a competitive landscape that includes notable 2025 horror films such as Sinners and Final Destination Bloodlines, making it one of the season’s most talked-about releases.
Critical Praise for Together’s Unique Approach and Performances
From its premiere at Sundance, Together was met with near-universal acclaim, signaling immediate interest from critics. The film explores a couple’s disturbing transformation as they begin merging into a single body, a premise that deftly merges elements of dark comedy, body horror, and emotional complexity. Critics have applauded not only the film’s inventive concept but also the powerful chemistry and performances delivered by Alison Brie and Dave Franco.
Patrice Witherspoon from Screen Rant described director Michael Shanks’ work as “a delightfully squirm-worthy horror comedy,” highlighting how Brie and Franco’s performances command audience attention even amid unsettling imagery. This sentiment captured the enthusiasm building around the film as it gathered momentum on the festival circuit.
“For a directorial debut, Shanks hits [Together] out of the park with his delightfully squirm-worthy horror comedy… The film is elevated by Brie and Franco’s pitch-perfect portrayals. Their clever onscreen performances mesh well in a way that demands your attention, even when you want to desperately look away.” —Patrice Witherspoon
Additional voices in the critical community have echoed similar praise. Ross Bonaime of Collider and BJ Colangelo from Fangoria, among others like Britt Hayes from MovieWeb and Tomris Laffly of RogerEbert, have commended the film’s layered narrative and inventive approach. NPR’s Aisha Harris noted the film’s ability to combine horror conventions with thoughtful commentary on relationships.
Even mixed reviews lean positive, such as Collider Senior Producer Perri Nemiroff’s commentary on the film’s exploration of codependent relationships through a combination of horror and comedy. Nemiroff emphasized the versatility demanded of the lead actors, stating the film’s success is largely due to the skill of Franco and Brie.
“A brilliantly twisted & wildly entertaining way of exploring codependent relationships. It’s a story that demands leads who can do it all — comedy, bonkers horror & then some. Dave Franco and Alison Brie can do it all, and this movie soars because of it.” —Perri Nemiroff
Considering that Together is Michael Shanks’ feature-length directorial debut, the film’s 99% Rotten Tomatoes score is a significant achievement. While Shanks has previously directed shorts and television episodes, this success is likely to elevate his profile substantially within the film industry.
How Together Sets Itself Apart from Other 2025 Horror Releases
Together distinguishes itself not only through its Rotten Tomatoes score but also by resonating with a wide variety of viewers and critics. As of now, only two other 2025 releases — On Becoming a Guinea Fowl and Eephus — hold perfect 100% ratings, but Together easily surpasses most other horror films in critical approval.
Many horror films of 2025 have received positive attention, including box office champions like Sinners, which maintains a 97% rating, and other strong genre entries such as The Ugly Stepsister (96%) and Strange Harvest (94%). Other notable films like Final Destination Bloodlines and Companion both hold 93% ratings. While these titles enjoy success, Together’s score and multifaceted appeal make it especially remarkable.
One of Together’s strengths is its ability to engage multiple types of critics and audiences. Horror enthusiasts appreciate its chilling body horror and disturbing visuals, while fans of dark comedy are drawn to its clever, grimly humorous moments. More analytically minded reviewers find fascination in the film’s nuanced and often contradictory examination of modern relationships, heightened by genuine on-screen intimacy, likely because Franco and Brie are a real-life married couple.
The film’s technical execution and thematic weight create an engrossing experience that feels fresh within a crowded horror field. This harmonious combination is a key factor in why critics from outlets like Collider, Fangoria, MovieWeb, RogerEbert, and NPR continue to give the film glowing reviews.
Though it remains to be seen if Together will match the high box office returns of films like Sinners, its critical acclaim has solidified its place as one of the genre’s most compelling releases of 2025. Its success could influence studios and filmmakers looking to innovate within horror by balancing emotional depth with horror tropes.
Main Cast Bringing Together to Life
The film features a talented core cast that contributes to its authenticity and effectiveness. Dave Franco stars as Tim, delivering a performance praised for balancing vulnerability and intensity. Alison Brie plays Millie, his partner, whose portrayal has been lauded for its emotional depth and natural chemistry with Franco. Supporting roles include Damon Herriman as Jamie and Mia Morrissey as Cath, who add layers to the film’s narrative complexity.
This ensemble, particularly the leads, is central to Together’s impact, helping the story resonate on levels beyond traditional horror, engaging with the psychological and emotional realities of relationship dynamics.
