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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

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