How Together Reinvents the “It Was All a Dream” Trope Into a Terrifying New Horror Experience

Together Tackles the “It Was All a Dream” Trope in Horror with a Fresh, Creepy Twist

Brie Larson and Dave Franco star in *Together*, a new indie horror film that flips one of horror cinema’s most tired clichés into something genuinely unsettling and meaningful. Directed by Australian writer-director Michael Shanks, the movie hits American theaters on July 30 and offers a unique blend of body horror and emotional depth.

A fresh take on the overused “It was all a dream” horror trope
Stars real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie
Explores themes of intimacy, trauma, and commitment
Features well-crafted nightmare sequences that serve the story
Combines creeping horror with subtle humor

Breaking the Dream Sequence Mold

Horror movies have long leaned on dream fakeouts—remember classics like *Carrie* or *Friday the 13th*—only to disappoint audiences by pulling the rug out with the “just a dream” reveal. *Together* doesn’t just use these sequences for cheap scares. Instead, it integrates them seamlessly into the story of Tim (Dave Franco), a struggling musician haunted by his past, and Millie (Alison Brie), his girlfriend navigating their rocky relationship.

Tim’s nightmares are not random jump scares; they’re a window into his trauma and fears, especially about intimacy and commitment. The film carefully signals when these dream sequences begin through changes in lighting and sound, so viewers are never tricked but drawn deeper into Tim’s psyche.

More Than Just Horror: A Metaphor for Real-Life Struggles

*Together* uses supernatural horror as a metaphor for mental health and the complexities of relationships. Tim and Millie’s move to a rural area isolates them, stripping away distractions and forcing them to confront their issues head-on. Tim’s reluctance to fully commit and Millie’s desire for marriage create a tension that’s both emotional and literal, as the film’s monster embodies the fear of being bound—physically and emotionally.

The horror here is not just about jump scares but about the messy, uncomfortable reality of connection and vulnerability. This metaphor is so clear and bold that it adds a daring layer to every scene, making the film resonate on multiple levels.

Performances and Direction That Sell the Experience

Dave Franco and Alison Brie, who are married in real life, bring genuine emotion to their roles. Their chemistry helps sell the script’s mix of dread and dark humor, especially as the story shifts from pure horror to moments of absurdity when the couple starts to grasp the bizarre situation they’re trapped in.

Michael Shanks balances creepy tension with just enough levity, making *Together* feel like a nightmare you’re glad to wake from. The film’s body horror elements, inspired by Cronenbergian visuals, add a visceral punch that elevates the whole experience beyond typical indie horror fare.

If you’re tired of lazy horror tricks and want a movie that uses familiar tropes in smart, unexpected ways, *Together* is worth a look when it opens on July 30.

For more on the film’s background and themes, check out this coverage on the metaphorical use of horror in mental illness and trauma here:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/may/18/horror-movies-men-alex-garland-clumsy-metaphors

And if you’re curious about the legal drama around the movie’s concept, Variety has the details:
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/together-michael-shanks-lawsuit-response-alison-brie-dave-franco-1236435681/