"Together": Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s Horror Film Promises Stomach-Churning Terror
The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a banner season for horror fans, with a slate of films vying for the title of the year’s scariest. However, one particular project is generating considerable buzz, and it comes from an unexpected power couple: Dave Franco and Alison Brie. Their upcoming horror film, titled "Together," is already sending shivers down spines based on early glimpses, hinting at a level of unsettling dread that could set it apart from the pack.
The film, written and directed by Michael Shanks, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, immediately attracting attention and ultimately being acquired by Neon, a distributor known for championing daring and unconventional cinema. While the official trailer offers a tantalizing taste of the horror to come, reports suggest it barely scratches the surface of the film’s truly disturbing nature.
This sentiment stems from an exclusive screening at CinemaCon in April, where Neon presented a significantly more graphic and intense version of the trailer. Described as "grosser," this alternate cut was deemed too extreme for general audiences, leading to the creation of a more palatable, PG-rated version for wider release. The existence of this more visceral trailer, however, has only amplified the anticipation and intrigue surrounding "Together," suggesting a film that’s willing to push boundaries and explore truly unsettling themes.
The official synopsis provides a chilling foundation for the narrative: Tim and Millie, portrayed by Franco and Brie, are a couple facing a critical juncture in their relationship. Seeking a fresh start, they decide to leave behind their familiar lives and relocate to the countryside. But this move, intended to revitalize their connection, instead throws them into a terrifying ordeal. Isolated and already grappling with internal tensions, they encounter a mysterious and unnatural force that threatens to corrupt not only their lives and their love, but also, ominously, "their flesh."
This final phrase, "their flesh," hangs heavy in the air, hinting at the body horror elements that seem to be at the heart of "Together." The film’s title itself takes on a sinister double meaning in light of this premise. The trailer offers fleeting glimpses of the grotesque transformation that awaits Tim and Millie. Disconcerting images of lips, hair, and eyes intertwined suggest a physical merging of the two characters. The inclusion of a saw further amplifies the dread, hinting at forced and violent disfigurement.
The central question that lingers after watching the trailer is: Why is this happening? How far will this horrifying fusion of bodies go? These questions remain unanswered, carefully concealed by the promotional material. But the mystery only serves to heighten the anticipation.
The choice of Franco and Brie as the leads is particularly intriguing. Both actors are known for their versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles. While Franco has dabbled in horror before, Brie is often associated with comedic and dramatic roles. Seeing them together in this disturbing context adds another layer of intrigue to the project. Their chemistry, both on and off-screen, will undoubtedly be crucial to selling the emotional and physical torment that their characters endure.
The direction of Michael Shanks is also worth noting. While he may not be a household name, his vision for "Together" appears to be bold and uncompromising. The film’s unsettling atmosphere, its focus on body horror, and its exploration of the darker aspects of relationships suggest a director with a clear and disturbing vision.
"Together" promises to be more than just a simple scare-fest. It seems poised to delve into the anxieties and fears that lie beneath the surface of intimate relationships. The film’s exploration of isolation, the challenges of maintaining love in the face of adversity, and the potential for external forces to corrupt and destroy what was once sacred are all fertile ground for horror. The added element of body horror elevates the film beyond the typical haunted house or slasher flick, potentially offering a more psychologically unsettling and emotionally resonant experience.
The film’s release date, July 30, is fast approaching. Soon, audiences will have the chance to witness firsthand the horrors that Dave Franco, Alison Brie, and Michael Shanks have conjured. The early buzz surrounding "Together" suggests that it has the potential to be one of the most talked-about and terrifying horror films of 2025. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: "Together" is a film that horror fans will be eagerly anticipating. It has all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable, and perhaps unforgettable terrifying, cinematic experience. The film has elements to it that are going to keep people up at night and make them second guess their relationships. The movie looks to be a complete thriller that is going to bring the horror genre to a new level. Only time will tell to see if this movie will deliver.
