Alison Brie and Dave Franco Reveal Shocking Secrets Behind Their New Horror Film ‘Together’

by

The cherished duo, Alison Brie and Dave Franco, have acted together multiple times in movies before, but their latest project puts their romantic bond to a terrifying test – exactly how they prefer it!

Brie discusses Together, her latest film, stating that it necessitates a closer connection between its main characters more than any project she’s worked on previously. She admits, ‘I can’t imagine making this movie without a real-life couple due to certain scenarios we encountered.’ This film will have its world premiere during the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.”

or

“Brie talks about her new movie Together, revealing that it demands an unprecedented level of intimacy between its two leads. She notes, ‘I can’t think of a way to make this film without an actual couple due to the specific predicaments we found ourselves in.’ The world premiere for this film will take place during this weekend’s Sundance Film Festival.

To provide further details might diminish the impact for viewers attending festivals who are privileged to screen the film in Sundance’s Midnight section. Instead, we’ll let the formal festival description speak for itself: “A move to the countryside strains a couple’s relationship, but a supernatural encounter initiates an extreme metamorphosis of their love, lives, and physical bodies.

The film “Together” is the first feature-length directorial project for Melbourne-based filmmaker Michael Shanks, who has previously impressed with his short film “Rebooted” and screenplay “Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel.” In a thoughtful, tactful, and praise-filled interview over Zoom, Brie, Franco, and Shanks discuss their collaboration on “Together,” the hurdles of a swift and physically demanding shoot in Australia, and why dependence can sometimes be downright terrifying.

How are you feeling on the eve of your world premiere?

FRANCO Shanks? I’m most curious how you’re feeling …

Here’s My Take: I tend to live in the present until an event approaches. Now that it’s almost here, I’m finding it hard to sleep and feel a bit anxious, but at least I know I’m still capable of feeling excitement. I’m genuinely thrilled about it, and it’s been a delightful experience so far for me. Given that I live quite distant from the industry and none of my friends work there, this development has created a wave of excitement among our circle of friends. Everyone is eager, which makes it all very uplifting and pleasant.

Michael, how are you with the cold? I hope you’ve packed some warm clothes.

I TRIED MY BEST TO PACK LOTS OF WARM CLOTHING, BUT GIVEN WHERE I RESIDE, I’M NOT CONFIDENT THAT IT WILL BE ENOUGH. frankly, I feel woefully underprepared for what a Utah winter has in store.

I’M SO EXCITED! It seems everyone, including us producers, can’t stop talking about what Shanks plans to wear for the upcoming festival. The anticipation is killing me!

Production masters always take care of every detail, and I must acknowledge your contribution since you not only starred in it but also produced. Let’s focus on Alison and Dave for now. In your director’s statement, you expressed your eternal gratitude towards them for believing in your first feature. You described them as the “bond that keeps this movie united,” which can be interpreted in several ways after watching the film. What was it that made them connect so strongly to this project?

GAMER Recently, I penned another script titled “Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel“, which made it onto the 2021 Blacklist. One of my representatives at WME suggested a meeting with Dave, as they work together. We connected over Zoom and discussed various topics. Being a fan of “The Rental“, which Dave directed, I was excited to learn he worked with Alison too. Since we both share a love for horror, our conversation delved deep into the genre. During our chat, I mentioned my unpublished horror script and casually suggested he might want to take a look at it. Of course, in the back of my mind, I hoped he’d read it and say something like, “Wow, this is amazing – let’s make it happen!

The following day, my agent phoned me, saying, “Dave is interested in the film.” I was puzzled and replied, “What do you mean?” He then informed me that Dave’s wife, Alison, had read the script and enjoyed it as well. He asked me how I felt about them both joining the project. I had to suppress my excitement and simply said, “I’ll consider it. That sounds great.” Afterward, I just skipped off, filled with joy. It was incredible, absolutely fantastic. When I initially met Dave, there was someone else in the room, and I assumed it was Alison. We eventually scheduled a Zoom call to discuss our potential collaboration. From that moment, things moved swiftly.

FRANCO I had watched a captivating short film penned and directed by Shanks titled Rebooted, one of the most exquisitely crafted shorts I’ve ever encountered. As we approached this gathering, my admiration for him was already established. When he shared the script for Together, with intricate visual effects that demanded such precision and subtlety, I trusted his abilities based on his skillful handling of that short film. I recall reading the [Together] script and swiftly turning to Alison, expressing, “I believe we should star in this one together,” as the characters had been united for over a decade. I suspected that our real-life bond could seamlessly complement that dynamic.

Dave and I are quite particular about the collaborative projects we take on. While we enjoy working together and constantly seek opportunities to do so, there are various aspects we need to consider: Might it become overly distracting? Could it grow tiresome after a while?

FRANCO We don’t want to burn people out.

As any diligent assistant, Dave emailed me the entire package by sharing both the script and short film titled “Rebooted.” Since I had previously eavesdropped on Shanks’ Zoom call with Dave, I was already familiar with his character and got to listen in on their discussions about horror and other topics. Reading the script, I was captivated by its cleverly integrated set pieces and found nothing to be random or forced. As Dave suggested, this film would benefit from the fact that we’ve been a long-term couple, as it adds depth to the narrative.

Beyond just our history, we’ve been together for quite some time on a film set. While we’ve both shared intimate moments with other actors, this project demanded a level of closeness between its leads that surpasses anything I’ve experienced before. It got to the point where we’d often finish a day’s shooting and remark, “I can’t imagine how this movie could be made without a real-life couple, given some of the challenging situations we encountered.

Hey Michael, there’s a point from your director’s statement that caught my attention: This movie explores the possibility of fear that comes with living life alongside someone else. Now, Dave made a similar comment during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter while discussing The Rental, so I presume you two connected over this shared idea. Michael, could you elaborate a bit more on what you meant by that?

Sure thing!

“Definitely! I wanted to make it clear that I truly enjoy being in a romantic relationship. I cherish the feeling of being in love. However, when you embark on your first long-term partnership, you may come to a point where you pause and wonder if you’re truly sharing your life with someone else. When you start living together, you share the same space, eat meals together, and often have mutual friends. This was something I grappled with a few years ago, and my social circle is composed of individuals who have been in long-term monogamous relationships for many years, sometimes since high school. At times, there can be an underlying fear that people are more accustomed to each other than they are still deeply in love.

It’s delightful to share that my love remains as strong as ever, yet I reached a moment when I had to fully acknowledge our shared life journey. To put it in perspective, my partner Louie and I have been together since we were 18 years old. In essence, I’ve never known adulthood without her by my side, and the same goes for her with me. At a certain point, one might ponder, who am I without her? That notion can be quite daunting. This was essentially the starting point or my entry into this concept.

Dave, can you continue that thought?

I, being a passionate fan, often find myself sharing about this movie with my friends and I usually begin by explaining it as a story about a couple dealing with codependency. Sometimes, they’d give me a skeptical look, implying it might be too complex for them. [Laughs] However, the film beautifully delves into the intricacies of codependency, not labeling it as good or bad but rather acknowledging its various shades. Being a married couple who work together closely, my spouse and I may fall under this category of codependency. Yet, we strive to preserve a balanced relationship. Interestingly, the nature of our jobs requires us to spend extended periods apart, which in turn fosters a sense of independence within us.>

To put it simply, we’re quite selective about the projects we take on together. It seems this is partly due to our established rhythm of collaboration followed by periods of individual work. As Dave pointed out, our roles often require independence. Since we frequently work on separate assignments, which might even be in different countries at times, it’s challenging to visit each other because of conflicting schedules. However, when it comes to codependency, I believe we’ve got that covered.

This film delves into the challenging aspects of codependency, a relatable concept when it comes to preserving individuality within relationships. Much like a captivating genre piece, we’ll take this theme to its extreme limits. As Shanks put it, we’re investigating what might occur when a couple finds themselves stuck in a rut or unsure if they still love each other or even recall the reasons for their initial affection. Instead, fear becomes the driving force – fear of the unknown, fear of leaving a relationship due to apprehension. This is the aspect we’ll emphasize in our movie. Given how passionate the relationship in the film is, we anticipated that it would lead either to divorce or an increase in codependency. Fortunately, it’s the latter scenario that unfolded.

Here’s a more conversational way of asking similar questions: “It’s nice to be in your company! Fancy chatting about the filming session we had? Can you tell me how many days we filmed, where exactly we shot, and how everything went on set?

SHANKS Our filming location was Melbourne, Australia, where we managed to complete our project in just 21 days despite its grand scope. I must say, it was an exhilarating experience for me. Some have asked if it was a stressful production, and indeed there were moments of pressure, but given my background in guerrilla-style filmmaking, this set felt remarkably calm compared to other projects. We were fortunate to work alongside some incredibly talented individuals, both on and off camera. Although we may not have had the same resources as other productions of similar scale, it felt like stepping into a candy store with all the people, equipment, and production tools at our disposal. Each day seemed surreal, filled with hard work yet a positive atmosphere. There was no time for relaxation, but the enjoyment never waned. This wasn’t a chaotic set; instead, it was a productive environment marked by enthusiasm.

In simpler terms, It was a race against time. I recall us running back to our positions swiftly since we didn’t want to lose any moments. We were fortunate to have an exceptional team who were ready to run with their equipment too, allowing us to capture every second of the day on camera. The experience was incredibly rewarding.

Living together gave us an edge, since Alison and I had ample opportunity for continuous practice.

BRIE Going to bed at night, running lines together.

FRANCO Knowing that we were only going to get one to three takes for every setup.

BRIE Three is generous.

FRANCO One distinct instance stands out where Shanks approached me as the day ended and declared, “Alright, let’s shoot a scene that will make it seem like you’re completely losing your mind. Ready for it?

BRIE “We have two and a half minutes.”

Are you good under pressure like that, Dave?

FRANCO At that particular instance, the realization that I could only record once caused a significant amount of genuine fear within me, which eventually led to my emotional collapse.

SHANKS It’s the right emotion to play for that situation.

To be frank, I’m really fond of this project, as Dave and I have been involved in a variety of film sizes throughout our careers, but we always find ourselves drawn back to independent films. We appreciate the swiftness and intensity they bring. The lack of time for second-guessing is something I particularly enjoy. Since we are producers on this movie, we’ve been working closely with Shanks on dialogue and script adjustments for about a year before shooting began. This allowed us to develop a deep understanding of the characters and their dialogues. Dave and I could discuss our characters freely whenever we were at our Melbourne Airbnb. When we arrived on set, we were well-prepared, which made the rapid pace of production reflect the emotions of the characters. Decisions often need to be made swiftly in independent films, leaving little room for contemplation.

In other words, nearly every day on this movie involved extensive use of prosthetics, challenging physical stunts, or…

BRIE Lots of emotions …

FRANCO Indeed, I recall arriving early some mornings at 6 a.m., and on those days, I needed to be fully energized from the start and sustain that level throughout the entire day – quite demanding, both physically and emotionally. Yet, it was exhilarating because we took pride in our work, ensuring there was never a moment of boredom on set.

SHANKS Allow me to mention that the enthusiasm spread throughout the entire team, almost like a contagion. A significant factor behind this was that even on days when we were filming more routine scenes — such as dinner table conversations or arguments — there were often complex props, puppets, or technical aspects involved. However, Dave and Alison’s enthusiasm never wavered. It’s not to brag, but there were experienced crew members who had been in the industry for half a century, and they would frequently approach me saying, “I’ve never seen actors as talented as these two.” Or “I’ve never seen actors more dedicated and kind than these gentlemen.” And it’s true. At the start of any production, people are always curious about what to expect. I don’t want to say it was suspicion, but there was a sense of uncertainty about whether it would be enjoyable or worthwhile. Within just one day, everyone was saying, “This is turning out to be quite entertaining. This project seems promising.” It felt like being at summer camp for theater. Everyone really got involved.

ALEX I’d like to return a praise to Shanks as well. While he may be a first-time feature director, he has been honing his skills in writing and directing since his youth, working on short films and web series among other projects. This extensive background has made him an exceptionally assured first-time director, with a clear vision of what he wants and the ability to effectively communicate it. What stands out most is that Shanks never seemed troubled by anything. Even when we felt ourselves becoming overwhelmed during setup for another sequence, Shanks would be seen laughing with crew members. Overall, his infectious enthusiasm, reminiscent of a child’s, brought an energy to the whole team that made everyone eager to help him bring his vision to life.

I’d like to take a moment to praise Germain McMicking, our brilliant cinematographer. Much like others, I could sing his praises too. He’s an epitome of calmness and composure during shot setups, even when time was running out and it seemed we only had moments left to capture something, he would reassuringly say, “Just a moment.” Such serenity under pressure is truly remarkable. Not only is he incredibly talented, but his collaborative spirit is simply inspiring. Working alongside Shanks, they formed an exceptional team that not only made our film visually stunning but also provided us with excellent value for our investment.

Michael, out of curiosity, was there a moment you were secretly very stressed?

I’d like to mention one particularly challenging day on set, which I’ll describe indirectly due to potential spoilers. It was during the filming of your last scene within the cave, Dave.

FRANCO Yep, I was going to say that I knew what day it was. That was my worst day too.

ME That experience was incredibly tense, not just because of a complex prop build taking so long, but also because the moment the actor wearing the prosthetic arrived on set, someone shared that they were feeling uneasy. As we prepared for our first shot, I couldn’t help but worry about their discomfort. I didn’t want to prolong filming while they might be in pain. So, I approached them to check on their well-being. They reassured me they were fine, although they seemed quite calm, it still left me shaken for the rest of the day. Alison, you were with me spiritually throughout that day. You truly acted as my savior when I felt like I was drowning in a stormy sea.

It was a wonderful collaboration between Dave, Shanks, and myself on set every day, and it just flowed naturally. It was an enjoyable experience. To give you some insight without revealing too much, one of my most satisfying shots was during a practical effect sequence. We were brainstorming how to execute the shot, and I suggested lying on the ground and placing my hand under Dave’s shirt for a visual reference. Everyone agreed that it worked, and we’ll see if viewers can spot my hand in that scene.

Dave and Alison, since you’ve had strenuous professions, what part of this movie was the most difficult or intense for you?

In summary, Dave had numerous bruises by the conclusion of the shoot. We’ve put together some stunning images as a result. Essentially, he maintained a collection of bruised photographs throughout the process.

FRANCO Regrettably, many films these days leave me feeling like I’ve pieced together a collage. Perhaps I’m being overly critical, or maybe my sensibilities are particularly tender. However, the stunt that caused me the most pain was a relatively straightforward one – climbing a rope. But it was an incredibly thin rope.

BRIE He’s really climbing it, lifting his full weight.

FRANCO For approximately two weeks following the shoot, my hands were severely cut and bleeding profusely, requiring multiple bandages. Not to spoil anything, but there’s a scene involving a shower that was particularly painful due to the violent manner in which my character is thrown against walls without any cushioning or protection.

In this film, we had to perform physically in an unconventional manner due to the presence of supernatural elements. It was like battling against ourselves, both pushing and pulling our own bodies. Each take demanded a distinct level of intensity that was unlike anything we’ve encountered before.>

After following the unusual movements, we experienced discomfort in parts of our body that were unfamiliar to us, causing us to awaken with aches and pains.

As an enthusiastic fan, I proudly claim my share of the excitement. Just like Dave and me, we can’t resist a challenge, often urging, “No, don’t hold back, give us the double!” Despite having a stunt double present, I ended up bumping into glass and bruising my nose. Yet, when I saw her not delivering the impact as required, I couldn’t help but step in and say, “Let me give it a go.” It seemed like, oh yes, perhaps going harder could be risky? Nonetheless, makeup was handy in concealing minor bruises for a few days. However, our commitment to authenticity led us to push for a truly visceral experience. In the end, it was all worth it. If we weren’t actually putting ourselves in harm’s way, it felt rewarding to bear those small badges of honor.

FRANCO Engaging in physical feats and performing stunts is undoubtedly one of my most thrilling work experiences. Despite the occasional aches and bruises, I can’t help but feel proud, as if these are badges that tell our story. And truth be told, we’re always asking for more!

I’m eagerly anticipating the audience reaction at Sundance, particularly as the film is part of the Midnight selection. I have high expectations that it will be a huge hit. Michael, could you share what inspired or influenced your decision to create a movie like this at this time?

Shanks passionately appreciates body horror films, with David Cronenberg being one of his favorites. In his opinion, the best movies are those that have a compelling concept and a deep emotional resonance. To create this, he first identifies the emotional core and then builds the characters and story around it. He strives to fully exploit the potential of each idea by pushing it to its extreme limits. As he believes a good premise can only be used once, he tries to explore it from various angles. This approach might stem from his experience in YouTube content creation, where the goal is to keep viewers engaged and prevent them from switching to something else. His philosophy when starting or completing a project is to focus on entertaining content that is exciting, engaging, and never dull.

Dave and Alison, how do you feel about where this movie goes as it plays out?

FRANCO On some occasions, it seemed as if we were incredibly fortunate for creating something daring and venturesome. It was as though we were managing to pull off an audacious deed without anyone noticing.

Any favorite Sundance memories?

In my perspective, the debut of my movie titled Horse Girl was an extraordinary event for me. It marked my initial venture into screenwriting, a project I collaborated on with our cherished friend, Jeff Baena. Witnessing this deeply personal work make its premiere at the festival was a momentous occasion for me. My sister joined me during this memorable event, and upon the movie’s conclusion, I found myself in tears. My sister then gently remarked, “As the director, you can’t be the one shedding the most tears here.” I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, and the audience’s warm reception was particularly sweet. Additionally, given the deeply personal nature of the film, having people approach me after screenings to share their emotional responses and connections to it was incredibly meaningful to me.

As a die-hard fan, Last year’s “Love Lies Bleeding” was an unforgettable experience for me. My character met a gruesome fate that ranks as the most agonizing death I’ve ever portrayed on screen. The film cleverly revisits this scene at various points, and each time it does, the audience lets out collective groans of discomfort. But me? I couldn’t help but laugh manically every single time, creating a unique memory that still makes me chuckle.

Last year, I was among the thousand people who were inside the Eccles, grimacing in my seat, during the world premiere. It was quite a tough experience.

JASON I’m absolutely smitten with the director, Rose Glass, of the movie “[Love Lies Bleeding]”. Just being given the chance to be involved in any capacity within that film was like a dream realized for me.

I find myself wanting to ask you more about Jeff Baena, Alison, despite knowing that this might be a tough time for both of you following his passing. Can you share something about him that you’d like people to know? He was an exceptional filmmaker and friend, after all.

BRIE Jeff was truly an artist at heart. His artistic integrity was remarkable, and the concept was always his focus. Working on the four films with him was both enjoyable and educational, as I discovered how far we could stretch our creative minds and delve deeper into our imagination. I’m deeply appreciative that he was my first writing partner and that I had the opportunity to learn so much from him regarding the boundaries of my own creativity. Additionally, Jeff was a social catalyst who brought people together. He was renowned for hosting poker nights and game nights, and his film sets mirrored this same atmosphere. His goal was to bring diverse groups of individuals together, allowing everyone to be their most eccentric selves. He cherished people. He had an outstanding circle of friends, and he loved bringing those people together, emphasizing others, and it was truly a wonderful sight to behold.

Dave, I see you nodding your head. You worked with him as well. What can you say about Jeff?

FRANCO It wasn’t just about producing excellent work for him; the actual process and experience were equally significant. He consistently put extra effort into ensuring that the film-making process was exceptional for everyone involved.

Appreciate your contribution, and I apologize for any delays or inconveniences. By the way, Dave, you’re going to be at Sundance this year with not just one but two films – Bubble & Squeak being the second one. Similar to Together, it’s another captivating storyline that promises to intrigue us.

Or, in a more informal tone:

Hey, thanks for your input! I apologize if there were any issues. By the way, Dave, you’re going to Sundance this year with not one but two films – Bubble & Squeak being the second one. It’s like Together, another film with a mind-blowing storyline…

This film revolves around a couple experiencing some turbulence in their relationship. I portray a character who unintentionally complicates their situation even further. I develop a closer connection with one of them, which ultimately brings out hidden problems between them. I collaborated with first-time director Evan Twohy, and his innovative, distinctive vision for this project was exceptional. The script is remarkable, and I believe it required his talent to bring it to life as effectively as it has been done. It possesses a distinctly unusual mood and pace that I find incredibly impressive. I express my admiration for being involved in such a captivating piece of work.

Hey Michael, just one more query. Since it’s your first time at Sundance, I assume you’d like to watch a lot of films and catch Dave’s other production too. So, how do you intend to structure your schedule?

SHANKS My aim at Sundance is to take in as much as I can, but I fear my schedule may get in the way. Just being here feels surreal. I don’t want to come off as naive by exclaiming, “I’m at Sundance!” since I’m sure many people might be blasé about it. However, this is truly a fulfillment of a dream for me. To prepare, I’ve revisited the Sundance episode from Entourage, which has left me feeling well-prepared and excited.

FRANCO What was your biggest takeaway from the episode?

SHANKS That I don’t think I really like Entourage.

Read More

2025-01-26 19:28