At the Comic-Con Variety Studio presented by Google TV, Alison Brie and Dave Franco discussed their new film Together, which uses the horror genre to explore the complexities of intimate partnerships. The movie centers on a couple, Tim and Millie, who face both emotional and physical challenges as an unusual force forces them closer together. Inspired by director Michael Shanks’ long-term relationship, the film delves into how two people’s lives can intertwine in unexpected ways over the years.
Personal Experiences Shape On-Screen Chemistry
The intense physical proximity required for the film demanded extensive training and special effects to realistically portray the couple’s merging bodies. Both Brie and Franco drew from their own experiences to deepen their characters’ connection. Brie explained how sharing time and habits in a relationship naturally leads to adopting each other’s traits and routines.
She was taking on some of my personality traits. I’ve taken on some of hers. We have the same friendship group, we eat the same food, we breathe the same air. I realized this is such a fun area to explore the themes of being codependent or a kind of toxically codependent couple.
—Michael Shanks, Director
Additionally, Brie highlighted the effortless nonverbal communication she and Franco share after years of working together, which became invaluable during the physically demanding scenes.
On one level, Dave and I have worked together so much. We’re married, we’ve been together over 13 years. Our level of nonverbal communication is very high. That came in handy on a very literal physical level. There were days where we were attached arm-to-arm for 10 hours going to the bathroom together,
—Alison Brie, Actress
The Film’s Impact on Audiences and Relationships
Marketed as a body horror film, Together aims to resonate deeply with couples by reflecting the challenges and closeness that long-term relationships often involve. Shanks shared that many viewers have found the film helpful in addressing their own relationship struggles.
We’ve had amazing reactions from couples coming out of it saying that
“[Together] really helped us out with some arguments we were having,”
—Michael Shanks, Director
One guy came up to me after the screening and was like My wife begged me not to talk to you, but I think this movie is about us and I don’t think we’re gonna make it.
—Michael Shanks, Director
While the film exposes the flaws and friction that can exist between partners, it also encourages understanding and communication. Shanks hopes that by identifying problems through the story, couples can either improve their relationships or find closure if separation is inevitable.
A New Approach to Relationship Storytelling at Comic-Con
Together stands out for combining intense physical imagery with emotional vulnerability, offering an unorthodox form of couples therapy through body horror. Presented at the Comic-Con Variety Studio with support from Google TV, the film demonstrates how the horror genre can be used to thoughtfully explore everyday human connections.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Dave Franco date Zac Efron?
A. James Franco shared a funny screenshot of a fake article from HollywoodLife. It claimed that his brother, Dave Franco, was dating Zac Efron, his Neighbors co-star. This post is purely a joke, not a real announcement, so don’t take it seriously.
