Alison Brie and Dave Franco have reunited on screen for the first time in seven years with their breakout hit, Together, which premiered at Sundance. This talented acting duo, who are also a married couple, last shared the screen in 2017 with The Disaster Artist and The Little Hours. Although they collaborated on the horror-thriller The Rental and the romantic comedy Somebody I Used to Know, this new film marks a significant return for them as co-stars.
Together, directed by Michael Shanks, follows Tim and Millie, a couple facing challenges after a failed marriage proposal and a move to a rural area, away from their friends. As Millie takes a teaching job, Tim pursues his musical ambitions, but their attempts to breathe new life into their relationship are interrupted by a supernatural event that forces them to confront their feelings amid a chilling threat. The film not only dives into relationship dynamics but also integrates elements of supernatural horror.
Rethinking Couple Dynamics
Sundance is known for showcasing standout films, and Together has quickly risen to the occasion. In an interview with ScreenRant, Franco, Brie, and Shanks discussed the journey of finding the right project to act together again after several years. They expressed a keen awareness of the importance of choosing roles wisely, avoiding overexposure as a couple on screen. Franco emphasized their enthusiasm for finding projects that allow them to collaborate: “I think we are kind of actively trying to find something to do together every couple of years because we have the greatest time.” Brie added humorously, “Usually, Dave has to write it. So that takes a long time.”
The couple recognizes that their real-life relationship parallels the experience of the characters, having been together for over a decade. This authenticity enriches their portrayal of Tim and Millie, making it easier for the audience to connect with their journey.
Challenging Experiences
Reflecting on their past ventures in the horror genre, including Brie’s role in Scream 4 and Franco’s directorial debut in The Rental, they praised Shanks for presenting opportunities that pushed them beyond their previous experiences. They pointed out the physical demands of Together, with Franco revealing, “I had bruises over my entire body by the end of production.” Brie chimed in, stating that this film posed higher physical challenges than anything they had previously faced. “We documented the whole thing to prove it,” Franco remarked with a chuckle.
Shanks directed the film with an approach that differed from their previous collaborations. He emphasized the integration of visual effects and practical effects, calling attention to the film’s unique style, which Franco describes as “elegant body horror.” Shanks appreciates their contributions as producers, stating, “Support is the operative word. They were like a shield around myself and the project.”
Body Horror’s Resurgence
The body horror genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, inspiring filmmakers to create innovative narratives. Shanks drew inspiration from classic films such as John Carpenter’s The Thing and David Cronenberg’s The Fly. He also highlights Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cure and early M. Night Shyamalan films—especially Signs—as significant influences on the visual storytelling of Together.
Moreover, the film not only delves into the supernatural but explores the realities of relationships. Shanks highlights the balance between horror and the couple’s dynamics, stating, “The mix of tones was what I found scariest about the project.” He hopes audiences will walk away with a sense of excitement and a unique narrative experience. Shanks believes in creating something that feels both original and engaging, hoping to leave viewers asking, “What the hell was that?” while never losing sight of the narrative.
Significance of Together
With its intriguing premise and seasoned cast, Together is positioned to resonate with a wide audience. The mixture of intimate relationship assessments and horror elements creates a fresh take on the genre. This film could potentially redefine how love and fear coexist on screen, allowing viewers to reflect on their relationships in a thought-provoking manner.
The film’s premiere at Sundance on January 26 generated tremendous buzz, leading to its acquisition by NEON for a wide release on August 1. The excitement surrounding Together signals that it could become a defining work in contemporary cinema, resonating particularly with those who appreciate both relationship dramas and horror.
With Brie’s enthusiastic remarks stating, “This movie is so different from anything either of us has done before,” it’s clear that Together does not shy away from pushing boundaries. The film represents not only a professional reunion for Franco and Brie but also an exciting new chapter in their artistic collaboration.
As audiences eagerly await Together’s wider release, there’s potential for it to captivate and engage viewers—showcasing the tensions in relationships while splicing in elements of body horror with an innovative approach. The partnership between Franco, Brie, and Shanks ultimately shapes what promises to be a compelling viewing experience that speaks to both the heart and the imagination.