Attachment Struggles Define “Together” Starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco

“Together” Director Michael Shanks on Love, Loss of Self, and a Whole Lot of Fusing

PARK CITY, UT – Michael Shanks’ feature film debut, Together, left a palpable buzz in its wake at the Sundance Film Festival, prompting laughter and lingering unease in equal measure. The film, starring James franco and Brie Larson, explores a relationship pushed to its absolute, and utterly bizarre, limit.

The premise centers on Tim and Millie, a couple navigating a decade-long relationship at a crossroads. Millie accepts a teaching position in a remote, wooded town, pulling Tim along as they attempt to redefine their commitment after a somewhat derailed proposal. However, their already shaky dynamic takes a decidedly supernatural turn after a harrowing hike and a fateful encounter with mysterious cave water. Soon, the couple discovers they cannot physically separate, leading to increasingly unsettling and darkly comedic consequences.

Larson, alongside her husband, playfully recounted to the Sundance audience how she immediately recognized the film’s core concept. Her husband chimed in, confirming he’d told her, “I’m forcing you to do this with me,” upon reading the script – a sentiment echoing the film’s central theme of inescapable connection.

Shanks himself describes the film’s genesis as an exploration of “the fear of losing yourself in a monogamous relationship, in that kind of codependent way where you don’t know who you are without your partner.” Yet, he insists Together ultimately arrives at a surprisingly optimistic conclusion. “Now, to be speaking in front of a room of people that have actually seen the film, for me it’s a film about how love is beautiful. And, hopefully, the ending… is, you know, the ultimate commitment of ‘I love you, babe.'”

Despite the body horror elements – limbs fusing, hair consumption, and supernatural forces are all on the table – Shanks emphasizes the importance of levity. “I find I watch a horror or a sci-fi film and there’s no sense of levity,that’s just not my experience of life,” he explained. “I’ve laughed at funerals! All the darkest moments of life,there’s always humor.” He believes that embracing the absurdity is crucial, adding with a grin, “And, uh, also I just think it makes it more fun?”

Together promises a uniquely unsettling and hilarious ride, proving that even in the face of the utterly bizarre, love – in all its messy, fused glory – can prevail.

How does Anna’s anxious attachment style manifest in her interactions with Matt, and what impact does this have on their relationship?

Decoding the Relationship Dynamics in “Together”

“Together,” the 2021 film starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco, isn’t your typical romantic comedy. While marketed with a lighthearted veneer, the film delves surprisingly deep into the complexities of a modern relationship strained by differing attachment styles and the pressures of unexpected parenthood. The core of the narrative revolves around a couple, Anna (Brie) and Matt (Franco), whose seemingly idyllic life is thrown into chaos with the birth of their first child. What unfolds is a raw, often uncomfortable, exploration of attachment theory in action, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in relationship psychology and the challenges of modern marriage.

The Core Conflict: Disorganized Attachment & Avoidant Tendencies

The film masterfully portrays the clash between Anna’s anxious-preoccupied attachment style and Matt’s dismissive-avoidant tendencies.

Anna’s Anxious Attachment: Brie’s portrayal highlights the constant need for reassurance, fear of abandonment, and emotional volatility characteristic of anxious attachment. She craves closeness but often pushes Matt away with her anxieties,creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of distance. This is visually represented through her frantic attempts to control the situation and her overwhelming emotional responses.

matt’s Avoidant Attachment: Franco embodies the emotionally distant partner who prioritizes independence and struggles with intimacy. He shuts down during conflict, avoids vulnerability, and seeks space when Anna needs connection. His avoidance isn’t malicious, but a deeply ingrained coping mechanism stemming from his own past experiences. This is shown through his physical distance and his tendency to deflect emotional conversations.

This dynamic isn’t simply a matter of personality clashes; it’s rooted in early childhood experiences that shape how individuals form bonds and navigate intimacy. The film subtly hints at these formative experiences, providing context for their current behaviors. Understanding attachment styles is crucial to understanding the film’s central conflict.

the Impact of Parenthood on Attachment

The arrival of their daughter, mia, exacerbates the existing attachment issues. Parenthood, often idealized, becomes a catalyst for uncovering deeply buried insecurities and unresolved trauma.

Increased Stress & Emotional Reactivity: The sleep deprivation, financial strain, and overwhelming responsibility of raising a child amplify Anna’s anxieties and Matt’s need for control.

Differing Parenting Philosophies: Their contrasting attachment styles manifest in their parenting approaches.Anna leans towards helicopter parenting, driven by her fear of Mia coming to harm, while Matt advocates for a more hands-off approach, mirroring his own desire for independence.

The Cycle of Misunderstanding: These differences led to frequent arguments and a growing sense of disconnection, reinforcing the negative patterns in their relationship. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, unglamorous reality of postpartum challenges and the strain they place on couples.

Real-World Relevance: Attachment in Relationships

“Together” resonates because it reflects the struggles faced by many couples. The film’s depiction of attachment issues isn’t sensationalized; it’s grounded in the realities of relationship conflict and the challenges of building a secure bond.

Attachment Theory in practice: the film serves as a visual case study of john Bowlby’s attachment theory, demonstrating how early childhood experiences influence adult relationships.

Recognizing Your Own patterns: Viewers can often identify with either Anna or Matt, recognizing their own attachment tendencies and how they impact their interactions with others.

The Importance of Communication: The film underscores the importance of open and honest communication, even when it’s difficult. Anna and Matt’s inability to articulate their needs and vulnerabilities fuels their conflict.

Benefits of Understanding Attachment Styles

Identifying your own and your partner’s attachment style can be incredibly beneficial for improving relationship satisfaction.

Increased Self-Awareness: Understanding your attachment patterns allows you to recognize your triggers and emotional reactions.

Improved empathy: Recognizing your partner’s attachment style fosters empathy and understanding, reducing blame and judgment.

More Effective Communication: Knowing how your attachment style influences your communication patterns allows you to express your needs more clearly and constructively.

Building a Secure Bond: By addressing attachment insecurities and fostering a secure emotional connection,couples can build a more fulfilling and lasting relationship.

Resources for Further Exploration

For those interested in learning more about attachment theory and improving their relationships, here are some helpful resources:

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind – and Keep – Love by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller

Psychology Today: Articles on attachment theory and relationships (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/attachment-theory)

* Therapy: Seeking guidance from a qualified therapist specializing in attachment-based therapy can provide personalized support and strategies for improving relationship dynamics.

Offline Installer Links (As of 2025-08-04 – per AskVG)

While not directly related to the film, providing access to essential software like a browser is a practical addition.