Together: Alison Brie & Dave Franco's Body Horror Rom-Com!

Is it possible to create a genuinely fresh take on the well-worn tropes of both romantic comedies and body horror? Michael Shanks' directorial debut, the audacious "Together," proves that the answer is a resounding yes, delivering a cinematic experience that is as delightfully unsettling as it is unexpectedly touching.

The film, a highlight of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, is a testament to the power of unconventional storytelling. It fearlessly merges the awkward intimacy of a relationship on the rocks with the visceral shock of physical transformation, all wrapped in a darkly comedic package. Shanks, an Australian director and writer, has crafted a "slick comedy that enjoyably blends together body horror and romantic comedy," according to critic Dennis Schwartz. The film promises a unique cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Starring the real-life married couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, "Together" benefits from the undeniable chemistry the pair shares both on and off screen. Their familiarity and comfort with one another translate into a captivating dynamic, allowing them to navigate the film's increasingly bizarre circumstances with a grounded realism that amplifies the impact of the body horror elements. Their collaboration extends beyond their on-screen performances, with Franco having previously directed Brie in "The Rental," showcasing their shared artistic vision and understanding.

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Category	Details
Full Name	Alison Brie Schermerhorn
Born	December 29, 1982 (age 41)
Birthplace	Hollywood, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, Producer
Years Active	2004present
Spouse	Dave Franco (m. 2017)
Notable Roles	Annie Edison in "Community", Trudy Campbell in "Mad Men", Ruth Wilder in "GLOW"
Education	California Institute of the Arts, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
Website (Example)	IMDB - Alison Brie
Other Collaboration	'The Rental'

The narrative of "Together" centers around Tim and Millie, portrayed by Franco and Brie, respectively. As the synopsis reveals, the couple finds themselves at a critical juncture, opting for a drastic change by moving to the country. This relocation, away from the familiar rhythms of their lives, serves as the catalyst for a series of unsettling events. The change triggers "a supernatural incident that drastically alters their relationship, existence, and physical form," as the film's premise succinctly states. This shift allows Shanks to explore the anxieties and vulnerabilities inherent in long-term relationships through a lens of fantastical horror.

The films success hinges not only on its genre-bending premise but also on the palpable chemistry between its leads. Having worked together on multiple projects prior to "Together", including "The Rental" and "The Disaster Artist," Brie and Franco have honed a comfortable working relationship. They can reportedly "finish one anothers sentences," a testament to their close bond that translates seamlessly to the screen. This connection gives the film a sense of authenticity as the couple navigates increasingly bizarre circumstances.

The decision to cast Franco and Brie in these roles was a stroke of genius. Their real-life marriage adds a layer of depth to their performances, offering a poignant exploration of the challenges and rewards of a committed partnership. As Brie herself notes in an exclusive interview, she is "always so in awe" of Franco while working on set, a sentiment that undoubtedly contributes to the on-screen magic. Their collaboration is not just professional; it's a deeply personal endeavor, with each inspiring the other. The intimacy of their relationship is evident in every scene, adding a layer of emotional resonance that elevates the film beyond its genre trappings.

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The horror elements are skillfully woven into the narrative, creating a unique viewing experience. "Together" isn't merely a horror film; it's a relationship drama that uses body horror as a metaphor for the anxieties and changes that occur within a long-term partnership. The unsettling transformations that the characters undergo are not gratuitous; they are a visual representation of the emotional turmoil and shifting dynamics within the relationship. This marriage of genres creates a thrilling and thought-provoking experience, ensuring that "Together" will resonate with audiences long after they leave the theater.

The films premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival was met with positive reactions. The critical acclaim has centered on Shanks' clever writing and direction, as well as the performances of Franco and Brie. The film benefits from the genuine comfort and understanding that the real-life couple shares. The German title translates to "Der Film mit Alison Brie, Dave Franco und Damon Herriman in den Hauptrollen ist Shanks Regiedebt und feierte Ende Januar 2025 beim Sundance Film Festival seine Premiere".

The film also stars Damon Herriman and Mia Morrissey, adding further layers to the narrative. With the release date set for August 2025 in both the United States and Germany, audiences eagerly anticipate experiencing this "body horror comedy that sticks to your ribsand maybe your partners, too." The anticipation for the film's wide release underscores the strong buzz generated by its Sundance premiere, solidifying its status as one of the most anticipated films of the year.

The movie is not only a directorial debut for Michael Shanks, but a significant exploration of the intersection of love, relationships, and the grotesque. The film promises to be a compelling addition to the body horror genre, while providing a surprisingly intimate and emotionally resonant portrait of a modern marriage. The combination of the real-life dynamic between Brie and Franco, a unique premise, and the skilled direction of Shanks promises an unforgettable cinematic journey.

Category	Details
Full Name	David John Franco
Born	June 12, 1985 (age 38)
Birthplace	Palo Alto, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, Director, Producer
Years Active	2006present
Spouse	Alison Brie (m. 2017)
Notable Roles	Aron Ralston in "127 Hours", Jack Wilder in "Now You See Me", and Pete in "Neighbors"
Education	University of Southern California
Website (Example)	IMDB - Dave Franco
Other Collaboration	Directed and starred in "The Rental"

Beyond the horror and romance, "Together" also examines the complexities of codependency and the ways in which relationships can shape and alter our lives. This lends the film a sense of relatability that extends beyond the genre's traditional boundaries. By fusing body horror with codependency angst, "Together" offers a poignant commentary on modern relationships and the challenges of navigating long-term commitment.

The film has already received glowing reviews, which speak to the unique blend of genres, the performances of Brie and Franco, and the innovative direction of Shanks. The combination of these elements suggests that Together will not only be a successful film, but also one that challenges and expands the boundaries of both body horror and romantic comedy.

Audiences can expect a unique cinematic experience and that the film is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. The film's ability to explore the intricacies of human relationships through a genre-bending narrative. Michael Shanks's directorial debut, starring the talented duo of Alison Brie and Dave Franco, has generated significant anticipation within the film community. This is a body horror film written and directed by Michael Shanks, and starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, a couple's move to the countryside triggers a supernatural incident that drastically alters their relationship, existence, and physical form.