Dave Franco & Alison Brie's "Together": Onscreen Test & More
Can the intimacy of a real-life marriage truly translate onto the silver screen, pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and testing the limits of a relationship? Dave Franco and Alison Brie's latest collaboration, a horror film titled "Together," promises to do just that, offering a chilling exploration of a couple's bond under duress.
The film, directed by Michael Shanks in his directorial debut (who also penned the script), casts a scrutinizing eye on the relationship between Franco and Brie, both on and off screen. This marks yet another project for the real-life spouses, who have previously shared the screen in films like "The Rental" and "The Disaster Artist," developing a cinematic shorthand and a comfortable level of familiarity that often enriches their portrayals. But, as the trailers and early reviews suggest, "Together" seems poised to challenge that dynamic, thrusting their on-screen connection into a crucible of fear and uncertainty.
Neon's newest horror flick has assembled a promising cast. "How close can a couple get?" is the question that hangs over the film, and it's one that Franco and Brie, married for eight years, have undoubtedly grappled with in real life. It was after Shanks saw their 2020 psychological thriller "The Rental" that he approached the couple, and they were immediately drawn to the project. "Shanks wrote and directed the film, which takes..." and aims to dissect a familiar relationship through the lens of the horror genre. This merging of genres is what promises to make "Together" a unique cinematic experience.
| Dave Franco | Alison Brie | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | David John Franco | Alison Brie Schermerhorn |
| Date of Birth | June 12, 1985 | December 29, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Palo Alto, California, USA | Hollywood, California, USA |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Education | University of Southern California | California Institute of the Arts, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Writer | Actress, Producer, Writer |
| Years Active | 2006present | 2004present |
| Notable Works | 21 Jump Street, Now You See Me, Neighbors, The Disaster Artist, The Rental, 6 Balloons, The Little Hours | Community, Mad Men, Scream 4, The Five-Year Engagement, Sleeping with Other People, Horse Girl, GLOW |
| Spouse | Alison Brie (married 2017) | Dave Franco (married 2017) |
| Link to Official Website/Source | IMDb - Dave Franco | IMDb - Alison Brie |
The premise of "Together" hints at a descent into psychological horror. The exact nature of the terror remains shrouded in mystery, but the filmmakers have made it clear that the film will explore the anxieties and vulnerabilities that can exist within the most intimate of relationships. This premise alone marks "Together" as a film that distinguishes itself from the typical horror fare, leaning more towards a blend of psychological suspense and genuine character study.
What makes "Together" particularly compelling is the real-life connection between the two leads. Franco and Brie's marriage adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, raising questions about how much of their genuine connection will seep into the fabric of the film. Will their comfort with each other on screen enhance the scares, or will it offer a contrasting sense of security before the rug is violently pulled out from under the audience? The answer, it seems, is part of the films core intrigue.
The involvement of Michael Shanks as director and writer is another key aspect. While relatively unknown to the wider public, the creative choice suggests a certain level of creative control and artistic vision. The fact that Shanks wrote and is directing suggests a personal investment in the project, which often translates into a more intimate and nuanced approach to storytelling. The films ability to merge horror with the complexities of a relationship offers opportunities for a unique cinematic experience.
The decision by Franco and Brie to engage with the horror genre is interesting in itself. While both have had experience in more mainstream projects, this represents a step into a genre that is known for its ability to amplify emotions. Horror, with its inherent reliance on tension and suspense, can force characters (and, by extension, the audience) to confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities. In "Together," this process is further complicated by the existing relationship between the leads, which serves as the foundation and also the primary source of conflict.
The film was, to put it in perspective, present at the Sundance Film Festival in January, drawing attention. Mat Hayward/Getty Images shows how Alison Brie expressed that she and Dave Franco will work heavily on the creative process of the films that they're making.
This collaboration suggests that the film is a true passion project for the couple, something they've poured their hearts and minds into, to be the best version of its potential.
The choice of "Together" as a title is itself loaded with significance. It suggests both the intimate bond between the couple and the potential for isolation and claustrophobia within that bond. The word together can also hint at the possibility of the couple staying together, no matter the circumstances of the film. Or, in stark contrast, that the only way out of the films horrors is to escape each other. With horror as the foundation, the film will undoubtedly lean into the tension, mystery, and a strong sense of unease.
The trailers and early promotional materials for "Together" have focused on creating an atmosphere of unease and ambiguity. This strategic approach, common in the horror genre, is designed to pique the audience's interest and keep them guessing about the true nature of the threat. The film's success will depend in large part on how effectively it maintains this sense of suspense throughout its runtime.
The release of "Together" is more than just the release of a new film; its an opportunity for Dave Franco and Alison Brie to showcase their collaborative efforts. It will be exciting to see how the pair continues to build their filmography and to further explore the ever-blurring lines between their on-screen and off-screen lives. Regardless of the films critical success, "Together" has already established itself as a fascinating study of both the horror genre and the complex dynamics of a romantic relationship.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():gifv():focal(622x239:624x241)/alison-brie-dave-franco-1-3b968de236fa42d69f8ab3a01171230c.jpg)
