The unsettling and surreal indie body-horror film Together is officially available for purchase across digital platforms in the United States, following its theatrical run earlier this summer. Written and directed by filmmaker Michael Shanks, the movie stars Alison Brie and Dave Franco, who also serve as producers. It made its debut on premium video-on-demand at midnight Eastern Time on August 26, 2025, meaning audiences on the West Coast could access it by 9 p.m. Pacific Time on August 25. Viewers can now buy the film for $24.99 on major platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Together made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, where it quickly became one of the most talked-about films in the festival’s Midnight section. Following strong reviews and considerable audience interest, Neon acquired distribution rights in a high-profile $17 million deal. The company, known for championing provocative and unconventional independent films, positioned Together as one of its marquee summer releases. That strategy paid off, as the film went on to gross over $23 million worldwide—a figure considered impressive for a low-budget independent feature in the horror genre.
Read Also: https://artisthighlight.com/jordan-peele-set-to-direct-a24s-new-horror-anthology-night-terrors/
The film’s narrative centers on a couple, played by Brie and Franco, who wake up to find themselves physically fused together. What begins as a surreal and grotesque bodily transformation becomes a metaphorical exploration of intimacy, dependency, and the suffocating aspects of relationships. Shanks’ direction blends psychological horror with darkly comic undertones, using body horror imagery as a lens to examine themes of identity, vulnerability, and the sometimes destructive ties between romantic partners. Critics have praised the film for pushing boundaries while maintaining an emotional core anchored by the lead performances.
The collaboration between Brie and Franco, who are married in real life, brought additional depth to the project. Both actors have spoken about the challenges and rewards of playing roles so heavily reliant on physicality and vulnerability. Their on-screen chemistry, juxtaposed with the disturbing circumstances of their characters’ predicament, has been described as both unsettling and poignant. For many viewers, the performances elevate the movie beyond its gruesome imagery, transforming it into a commentary on love, fear, and personal autonomy.
The movie’s theatrical release in late July 2025 proved successful, with positive word of mouth driving ticket sales despite stiff competition from larger summer blockbusters. Horror fans and festival enthusiasts alike sought it out, helping the film exceed initial box office expectations. The digital release now opens the door for a wider audience to engage with the story, especially those who missed its limited theatrical run.
While Together is currently only available for digital purchase, it is expected to become available for streaming later this year. Neon’s ongoing partnership with Hulu suggests that the film could appear on the platform before the end of 2025, with industry reports pointing to a possible December release. That move would significantly increase its visibility, giving mainstream audiences an opportunity to experience one of the year’s most original and unsettling horror films.
The broader impact of Together extends beyond its financial performance. As an indie horror release, its success highlights the appetite for films that experiment with genre and form rather than relying on conventional formulas. It also adds to Neon’s growing reputation as a distributor willing to take risks on daring projects. For Michael Shanks, the film marks a breakthrough moment in his career, establishing him as a filmmaker to watch within the horror and independent cinema communities.
In the months ahead, the film’s availability on streaming platforms is expected to spark renewed conversation around its themes and striking imagery. Its blend of disturbing body horror and intimate drama ensures it will remain a subject of discussion among fans of horror and art-house cinema alike. For audiences eager for unconventional storytelling and haunting metaphors about relationships, Together offers a cinematic experience that is both grotesque and thought-provoking.
