Alison Brie and her husband, Dave Franco, have taken their on-screen chemistry to new heights with their latest film, Together, which marries the unsettling tones of body horror with the levity of romantic comedy. Directed by Michael Shanks, this audacious feature film marks his directorial debut, showcasing Brie and Franco as Millie and Tim, respectively, who navigate the intricacies of love and personal sacrifice.
The couple embarks on their cinematic adventure after relocating from the hustle and bustle of urban life to the tranquility of the countryside. Millie is excited about her new job as an elementary school teacher, yet as the narrative develops, it becomes clear their relationship faces significant strain. Following moments of apparent bliss, the couple confronts fears of growing apart, compounded by Tim's existential worries about prioritizing Millie’s dreams over his own. "It would be harder later," echoes Millie, hinting at the film's dark thematic undercurrents.
At the film's world premiere during the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 26, held at the Eccles Theatre, the real-life couple graced the red carpet together, showcasing their supportive bond. Their synergy extends beyond personal affection and seeps deeply through their performances. Franco spoke candidly about their collaborative dynamic, saying, "We love it and we want to keep going. For whatever reason, we work really well together." He highlighted how their comfort level allows them to take risks with material, pushing boundaries together.
Remarkably, Brie added, "We’re never giving each other notes because…it’s just like ew, I can tell [the performance] was false and I know Dave knows." This candid banter gives insight not only to their acting partnership but also the importance of authenticity they value on set. The film is their fifth collaboration, following past projects like Somebody That I Used to Know and The Rental.
The film is structured around intimate moments and shocking feats, as Millie and Tim navigate their newfound life and relationship. After exploring the eerie supernatural phenomenon surrounding their home—a cave with a mysterious water source—they find their connection tested. The film cleverly weaves themes of toxic codependency symbolized by the ominous imagery of rat kings, encapsulating Tim's tensions about his family's troubled past and mental health issues.
Shanks delivers brilliant pacing and foreshadowing, pulling viewers through unexpected twists and emotional depths, all the more heightened by the duo's comedic timing. Influences of classic literature emerge, with references to Plato's Symposium illustrating the coupling of souls lost and searching for wholeness, mirroring Tim's personal struggles. Amidst the jump scares and thrilling visuals, the film celebrates the humorous elements intrinsic to their relationship.
The film is produced by Brie, Franco, Mike Cowap, Andrew Mittman, Erik Feig, and Max Silva, emphasizing their investment beyond performance. Although Together embodies elements of dark comedy and horror, it also seeks to explore genuine human connections and the struggles to maintain individuality within the bonds of matrimony. The practical effects amplify the horror experience, blending seamlessly with the story's romantic undertones.
Brie and Franco have expressed a desire to balance their work life with personal independence, acknowledging the importance of diversifying their experiences by collaborating with other talents. Speaking on this, Franco noted, "It’s nice to go off and then get excited again about working together. These are good things for one’s life." Indeed, as they tackle new projects, fans can look forward to seeing how this dynamic couple will continue to create meaningful art together.
All told, Together is not just about horror or romance—it's about the messy landscapes of relationships, the deep connections between two individuals, and the trials of love layered with comedic relief. This fresh perspective promises to resonate with audiences and leaves viewers pondering the complexity of love and the darker sides of devotion.