Together

Summary

Pop Culture Happy Hour – Episode Summary: "Together"

Release Date: August 6, 2025

In this episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Linda Holmes and Aisha Harris delve into the recently released horror film "Together", starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco. Joined by guest Dave Franco, the discussion offers a comprehensive exploration of the film's themes, performances, and technical execution.

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1. Introduction to "Together"

Linda Holmes opens the conversation by outlining the film's premise:

[02:37] Linda Holmes: "Together, written and directed by Michael Shanks, is about Millie and Tim, played by Alison Brie and Dave Franco. They are long-term partners who move to a house in the country. Very nice house, by the way."

The couple discovers an underground cave during a hike, leading to a series of unsettling events where their bodies begin to physically fuse together, setting the stage for a blend of relationship drama and body horror.

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2. Initial Impressions and Themes

Aisha Harris shares her personal connection to the film's exploration of long-term relationships:

[03:22] Aisha Harris: "As someone who herself has been in a long-term relationship, I think some of the ideas that this movie is positing around what it means to be in a relationship and how, you know, you go from being I, I, I to wee wee, wee very quickly and that can be very scary."

Dave Franco adds his perspective on the relationship dynamics portrayed:

[04:38] Dave Franco: "I think it gets a lot of the like microaggressions of long-term relationships. Like the little resentments that can build up over time with your partner and like the sacrifices you perceive you have made for them, the sacrifices maybe they didn't make for you."

The hosts discuss how the film uses body horror as a metaphor for the merging of identities in a relationship, highlighting both the intimacy and the potential loss of individuality that can occur.

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3. Performances and Chemistry

Aisha Harris praises the on-screen chemistry between Alison Brie and Dave Franco, highlighting the authenticity they bring to their characters:

[03:22] Aisha Harris: "Seeing Dave Franco and Alison Brie sort of play this out, knowing that they are a real-life couple and seeing them sort of play this version of a relationship out is very interesting. It's fun and I think they have really good chemistry."

Dave Franco reflects on his role and character development:

[05:07] Dave Franco: "But I don't know that the horror idea feels like as well developed as it could have been. And we're not gonna get into spoilers necessarily, but I do think it's a movie that sort of just ends rather than having, like, a real resolution of its central horror conceit."

The discussion touches on how their real-life relationship adds depth to their performances, allowing audiences to perceive the authenticity and emotional nuances in their characters' interactions.

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4. Technical Aspects: Special Effects and Sound Design

The hosts commend the film's technical execution, particularly the special effects and sound design that enhance the body horror elements:

[16:38] Linda Holmes: "The effects of how they indicate that her body is being pulled against her will, I think are very interesting at times and very kind of balletic and cool looking."

Dave Franco emphasizes the effectiveness of the practical effects:

[16:43] Aisha Harris: "But, like, it's not that there's nothing else that's darkly funny in the entire movie, but I kind of was there for this kind of. It felt like a tonal shift to me, and then it felt like they undid it."

The realistic portrayal of body fusion is highlighted as a standout feature, making the horror elements visceral and impactful.

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5. Script and Direction: Balancing Explanation and Mystery

A significant point of discussion revolves around the script's tendency to over-explain certain plot elements, particularly the film's opening prologue:

[13:37] Linda Holmes: "There is no reason for that [prologue]. Just let me watch them go into the cave."

Aisha Harris acknowledges the challenges of first-time directors in balancing exposition:

[14:00] Aisha Harris: "This feels like classic first-time director problems, right? Like Michael Shanks, this is his first feature film. So I give him a little bit of leeway."

The hosts debate whether the initial exposition detracts from the film's suspense, suggesting that a more enigmatic approach might have heightened the horror elements.

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6. Tonal Shifts: Incorporating Comedy into Horror

The incorporation of comedic elements into the horror narrative is another focal point:

[11:50] Aisha Harris: "That scene got a huge audience reaction. And that, to me, was the highlight of the film. It struck the right balance between body horror and comedy."

However, there is consensus that the film's tonal shifts are inconsistent:

[10:21] Linda Holmes: "There wasn't much more [comedy]. It felt like a tonal shift to me, and then it felt like they undid it. And I was a little bit bummed because I also would have watched a version of this that played more into that more directly."

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7. Conclusion: Mixed Reactions and Recommendations

Both Linda Holmes and Dave Franco express mixed feelings about the film:

[05:28] Linda Holmes: "I'm a little bit mixed, too, for I think, some of the same reasons."

Despite critiques, the hosts acknowledge the film's strengths, particularly in performances and technical execution. They recommend "Together" for its unique blend of relationship drama and horror, while also noting areas where the film could have achieved greater coherence.

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Notable Quotes

• Aisha Harris at [03:22]: "I think some of the ideas that this movie is positing around what it means to be in a relationship and how, you know, you go from being I, I, I to wee wee, wee very quickly and that can be very scary."

• Dave Franco at [04:44]: "Like the little resentments that can build up over time with your partner and like the sacrifices you perceive you have made for them, the sacrifices maybe they didn't make for you."

• Linda Holmes at [16:38]: "The effects of how they indicate that her body is being pulled against her will, I think are very interesting at times and very kind of balletic and cool looking."

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Final Thoughts

"Together" offers a thought-provoking take on the complexities of long-term relationships through the lens of horror. While it excels in performances and technical aspects, certain narrative choices may leave some viewers desiring a more polished resolution. Nonetheless, the film stands out for its inventive approach and the palpable chemistry between its leads, making it a noteworthy addition to the horror genre.

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For more discussions and reviews, follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Facebook @facebook.com/PCHHH and on Letterboxd @Letterboxd.com/NPRpopculture.

Transcript

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[Linda Holmes]

Every couple goes through certain rites of passage. You date, maybe you move in together, maybe you get married. You and maybe a visit to a mysterious cave makes your bodies start to fuse together.

[Aisha Harris]

That's what happens in the new horror film Together starring real life married couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco. I'm Aisha Harris.

[Linda Holmes]

And I'm Linda Holmes. And today we're talking about Together on Pop Culture Happy Hour from npr.

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[Linda Holmes]

Together with us is Vulture TV critic Roxanna Hadati. Hey Roxanna.

[Dave Franco]

Hey guys. Thank you for having me.

[Linda Holmes]

Absolutely. And we're not. None of us are going to be together like this movie means it. So Together, written and directed by Michael Shanks, is about Millie and Tim, played by Alison Brie and Dave Franklin Franco. They are long term partners who move to a house in the country. Very nice house, by the way.

[Aisha Harris]

Yes.

[Linda Holmes]

On a hike, they stumble literally on an underground cave. And by the time they get out, a very unsettling process has already begun. It seems they are being physically pulled together, their bodies starting to stick to each other. And that is just the beginning. The story is not for the squeamish. Together is in theaters now. Aisha, I'm going to start with you. Talk to me about together.

[Aisha Harris]

It was, I kind of enjoyed it. As someone who herself has been in a long term relationship, I think some of the ideas that this movie is positing around what it means to be in a relationship and how, you know, you go from being I, I, I to wee wee, wee very quickly and that can be very scary. And you look around, you're like, what's happening? I think that seeing Dave Franco and Alison Brie sort of play this out, knowing that they are a real life couple and seeing them sort of play this version of a relationship out is very interesting. It's fun and I think they have really good chemistry. And a lot of cringy moments happen in the first few minutes of this movie that like I would never wish upon anyone. Public moments of proposals. And I feel like it gets that dynamic right. And once it gets into the body horror aspect, I think it's a very visceral movie and I liked that. But yeah, overall I had a lot of fun with this movie and I'm sure we'll get into sort of where I think it kind of didn't exactly stick the landing. But I had fun and I think a lot of people probably will too.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah. What'd you think, Roxanna?

[Dave Franco]

I think I'm slightly less positive overall, but I'm very pro the relationship stuff. Like when this is like marriage story, I was very into it.

[Aisha Harris]

Yes.

[Dave Franco]

And that I think it gets a lot of the like microaggressions of long term relationships.

[Aisha Harris]

Right.

[Dave Franco]

Like the little resentments that can build up over time with your partner and like the sacrifices you perceive you have made for them, the sacrifices maybe they didn't make for you. Like all of that mess I think is very sharply observed and acted very well between the two of them. I think the body horror is gross in a good way. That's like a pro for me.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah.

[Dave Franco]

But I don't know that the horror idea feels like as well developed as it could have been. And we're not gonna get into spoilers necessarily, but I do think it's a movie that sort of just ends rather than having, like, a real resolution of its central horror conceit.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah.

[Dave Franco]

So, like, I'm fairly mixed, I think.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah, I'm a little bit mixed, too, for I think, some of the same reasons. I really like how they sort of assert this metaphor, which is so blunt that it is barely a metaphor. But, you know, this idea that the fusing of their bodies, you know, a stand in for the fact that in a relationship, you know, you're sort of always concerned about merging your identity with someone else's and all of that. I'm not sure that they kind of have anything to say about this other than that this dynamic exists and people are nervous about it. I kept waiting for the moment that sometimes happens in my favorite scary movies or horror movies where you kind of go like, oh, I see where they're going with this. Right. There was nothing in it that really kind of, you know, surprising to me or anything like that. But I do agree with Aisha. I think a lot of the effects are really good. Certainly the body horror is gross.

[Aisha Harris]

Yes.

[Linda Holmes]

Particularly with her. The effects of how they indicate that her body is being pulled against her will, I think are very interesting at times and very kind of balletic and cool looking. Had a lot of respect for that. And I do think, like, a lot of times in a movie, the people, either both of them or one of them is so great, it doesn't really seem plausible that they have serious doubts about the relationship. But both of these people, I kind of understand how they would get on your nerves, and I kind of understand how you might decide not to end up with them. Both of them, and both of them relatively equally in some ways, just in different. Like, it plays out differently, but kind of to the same degree. They're not that good at being in this relationship a lot of the time. So I liked that. It's always difficult when you get a relationship where it's like, oh, we're all really nervous about how things are gonna go. But it's, like, very clear that either you have one great person and one jerk, or you have a couple of perfect people who are destined to figure it out.

[Aisha Harris]

Yeah, I mean, Dave Franco, kind of. His career has been very interesting to watch, especially just because, you know, he started off as the younger brother of James Franco and the sort of afterthought he was usually playing a dirtbag. Like, he's got that voice. It needles you. I think for some people, they will find that incredibly irritating. For me it usually works.

[Linda Holmes]

It's not a typical leading man voice, and I like that.

[Aisha Harris]

Right. And he doesn't usually play a leading man. He's usually a side character, or he pops up like he popped up in the studio playing a version of himself.

[Linda Holmes]

He's very funny in the studio.

[Aisha Harris]

Yes. And he's truly in love. Lies Bleeding, the Very fantastic. Another great body horror movie. Well, a much better body horror movie, I think. But, like, he, in that movie is playing an absolute terrible person. There is no gray area. He is horrible. And I think it's interesting to see him here still being a version of that character, but he's not a villain. And I think that this is kind of one of the best roles I've seen him in, and the most sort of meteor roles, no pun intended, but, like, it does feel very, like, lived in in a way. And I do wonder how much of that has to do with both of them actually being in a relationship together. And it's like watching, you know, I don't know, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Like, you can't help putting that sort of aspect onto it. And I wonder how much of that also affects the way we watch the movie. At least for me. It's, like, impossible to forget that they are, you know, in real life, real couple. And they've said in interviews, like, they actually couldn't imagine doing this with someone who wasn't because it is such an intimate movie. You know, you have to be. All body parts are at some point being fused together. And by all, I mean all.

[Dave Franco]

Yeah. Probably the most effective use of fusing together is the scene that we're sort of alluding to a little bit.

[Linda Holmes]

But, yeah, I mean, sex. It's sex. Like, you can imagine for a couple.

[Aisha Harris]

We're npr, but we can still. It's a thing.

[Linda Holmes]

It exists and still acknowledge that this couple, at one point, is having sex. And which is a problem if you're gonna stick together and not be able to pull apart again. It's gonna come up in that context a little bit.

[Dave Franco]

Yes. But, yeah, I do think that he. Hers is not a bad performance. She's great. But I think he gets the more interesting character.

[Linda Holmes]

I think that's true.

[Dave Franco]

Yeah. We get some of his backstory. I mean, the backstory is very, like, Ari Aster influenced. Like, I think in an interview, Dave Franco talks about hereditary, and it's like, oh, yeah, I get.

[Aisha Harris]

I get it.

[Dave Franco]

You love hereditary. I understand. But his is sort of the, like, more classic, like, horror story backstory, which I think was Used really well, like all horror movies these days, you're doing a trauma thing, but the entire movie isn't about trauma, which I thought at least was like a nice little break from the rest of the genre at this point.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah, yeah. And I think the movie is not trying to draw too straight of a line between every single thing he does in this movie and that trauma. I think that trauma clearly informs the way he approaches the relationship, and it affects how he approaches the idea of love and the idea of giving yourself over to another person. But they're not the bulletin board with the red yarn kind of pointing from this event to this event to this event, showing you exactly how they work together. And I mentioned how really funny I think he is in the studio. It was interesting to me. I expected this to lean into the comedy of it a little bit more than it did. There's sort of, to me, kind of one sequence that's kind of at the beginning of when they're sort of both coming to terms with what's happening, where they suddenly seemed to me to lean more into the black comedy of it with some just straight up comedy beats in the way that the scenes are written. And I really welcomed that. I thought that was cool. I was like, oh, I see. So we're going into more of a comedic thing in this third act. But then it kind of felt like they pulled back from that and there wasn't much more of that. It's really only a couple of minutes in this scene with the two of them where they seem to be playing it as comedy. And it's not that there's nothing else that's darkly funny in the entire movie, but I kind of was there for this kind of. It felt like a tonal shift to me, and then it felt like they undid it. And I was a little bit bummed because I also would have watched a version of this that played more into that more directly.

[Aisha Harris]

I saw this at its premiere at Sundance earlier this year, and that scene got a huge audience reaction. And that, to me, was the highlight of the film. It struck the right balance between body horror and comedy. And many comedies involve drugs, and it involves drugs in a way that I think elevates that the typical way that we see these things employed. But I agree with you that once it pulls back from that, and then even though, you know, we're saying, like, the direct line is not like, trauma, trauma, trauma, there is a way more sort of like, pat way that this film reveals why this is happening, where I was just like, Like I again, this is not every. But a lot of horror movies of the last few years, including Ari Aster movies, feel like they are playing with the same. Like this is the explanation, like this is what it is. And I'm like, this is boring.

[Dave Franco]

And I think the problem with over explaining, which I think we all agree that the third act tends to do, is then it makes me think about all the other stuff you haven't explained. So it's really just like it's a problem with script where I'm like, oh, so I get it, but now you've opened up this world that you've told me has a certain justification, but you're.

[Linda Holmes]

Not justifying everything and a set of rules. And then you go back and say, well, I don't feel like it did follow those rules all the time. The thing that is sort of a bummer to me is that they start this film with a little prologue sequence in which you watch two dogs go into a cave, drink some water in the cave, come out and then fuse together into one like dog monster. To me there's no reason for that. Just let me watch them go into the cave. I basically know the conceit of the movie and what it reminds me of is all the TV shows that like start with a dead body and then they're like six weeks earlier.

[Aisha Harris]

It's very Law and Order.

[Linda Holmes]

I think you could have just had them start to stick together and not explain why it's happening. I think that would in some ways be more interesting because it's how I think it feels to people sometimes in relationships like this is that it just one day you feel it happening and it's very unnerving. I don't know why you couldn't just do it that way.

[Aisha Harris]

Well, this feels like classic first time director problems, right? Like Michael Shanks, this is his first feature film. So I give him a little bit of leeway of there was enough in this movie for me that shows promise that like, oh for sure if he's gonna over explain sometimes. And I was less bothered by the prologue than I was just by the way it ends. But it's absolutely valid criticism. And at the same time, just like this is kind of what usually happens with first time films. I will one other point that I loved, but I can also see other people kind of bristling at or being like, oh really? This is so obvious is like at the end there is a musical cue that is both very on point and obvious. But it worked on me. And you know your mileage may vary. That's all I'll say.

[Dave Franco]

But excellent musical cue.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah.

[Aisha Harris]

Because if I said the artist, anyone who knows the artist would obviously know what the cue is. And I think it's better as a surprise. But it tickled me. It pleased me.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah.

[Dave Franco]

I think that Q works. I also think that as much as I have issues with the prologue scene, I ultimately take it as like a. We wanted to do an homage to the thing. And I guess I can't be too mad about anybody wanting to do an homage to the thing. And I will say, great dog performances. Those dogs really stared at each other in a very unsettling way.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah. If those are real dogs, they did a great job.

[Dave Franco]

They did great work.

[Linda Holmes]

And I think you're right, Aisha, that it often takes confidence as a director. Not just confidence in yourself, but the confidence of the people you're making the movie for. And with, not to explain. Right. Like, to be able to say, no, they're going to get it. It's my decision and belief that they're going to get it. You have to kind of maybe get a little bit farther into your career before that's going to work as well. But, like, I feel like I'm coming off. Like, I didn't like this movie and I did. I will say I wore a baseball cap to this movie and I pulled it down over my eyes.

[Aisha Harris]

I was looking away a lot during.

[Linda Holmes]

This movie at certain mom. I was like, oh, no, not gonna look. It does have jump scares. It does have some really scary stuff in it and some gross stuff in it. I recommend, like, just bring a baseball cap and you can kind of pull it down low. And then you can kind of see the bottom of the screen. And, like, if you're overwhelmed, you can just stay under there. And then you can just kind of peek out a little bit. I think the people down the row for me thought I was a very strange person. But sometimes that's what I need with horror movies. It's not that there's no blood in it, but, like, it's not because it's bloody.

[Aisha Harris]

It's just gross.

[Dave Franco]

It's just gross. It's just the way that I talk about body horror sometimes is I'm like, what is the goop factor? And the goop factor is very high on this.

[Linda Holmes]

It is high.

[Dave Franco]

And the squelching factor, the sound design is really good.

[Aisha Harris]

Yeah. Like, there's so many movies nowadays where the CGI effects are not working. And it's just. This doesn't feel real. And I don't know how much of this is CGI versus practical effects, but you will feel this movie. And even though it was a lot, I welcome anything that feels real. Even if it's very gross.

[Linda Holmes]

It is gross. Okay, tell us what you think about together. Find us on [e-mail] PCHHH and on [e-mail] NPRpopculture we'll have a link in our episode description that brings us to the end of our show. Roxanna Haddadi, Aisha Harris, thank you so much for being here. Talking to you is never gross.

[Aisha Harris]

Thank you, Linda.

[Dave Franco]

Thank you.

[Linda Holmes]

This episode is produced by Carly Rubin, Janae Morris, Liz Metzger and Mike Katsif and edited by our showrunner, Jessica Reedy. Hello. Come in provides our theme music. Thanks for listening to Pop Culture Happy Hour from npr. I'm Linda Holmes and we'll see you all next time.

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