I Watched Dave Franco And Alison Brie’s First Horror Movie, And It Is One Creepy, Overlooked Gem

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After watching the film “Together”, it seems undeniably clear to me that we are now in the prime of body-horror movies. With critically acclaimed, gruesome releases such as the Academy Award-winning “The Substance” and Shudder’s “The Ugly Stepsister” recently hitting the screens, Michael Shanks’ latest horror masterpiece, where a mysterious force threatens to fuse a troubled couple physically, has only strengthened my belief in this subgenre that I have long held an intriguing yet reserved interest in.

The characters portrayed by the real-life married duo Dave Franco and Alison Brie in the 2025 film are captivating, with the pair also serving as producers on the movie, “Together.” Interestingly enough, they had previously collaborated on a horror film from years past that I’ve long been eager to watch. Upon finally viewing it, I found myself regretting not having given it a chance earlier. If you’re a fan of their work in “Together,” which we gave positive reviews for, then I wholeheartedly recommend this movie as well – albeit for different reasons. Let me clarify, without revealing any spoilers…

The Rental Is An Unsettling Vacation Thriller

The film under discussion is “The Rental” from 2020, marking Dave Franco’s directorial debut. He also collaborated with Joe Swanberg on production and scriptwriting. Swanberg is recognized for his work in the horror genre, including the popular found-footage series “V/H/S” and the intense home invasion thriller “You’re Next.” Although Franco himself does not feature in the movie, it stars his wife Alison Brie, along with Dan Stevens, known as the Scream King, Jeremy Allen White who later won an Emmy for “The Bear,” and Sheila Vand, famed for her role in “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night.” These five portray two sets of couples who have a weekend getaway at a vacation home that eventually turns into a terrifying ordeal involving both life-altering and life-threatening events.

In his debut feature, Franco skillfully constructs a chilling slow-burn horror film titled “The Rental“, which can be streamed with a Shudder subscription. The movie’s suspenseful atmosphere and pacing, combined with its character-driven tension, are masterfully executed. The cast delivers compelling performances that truly embody the desperation of their roles. Although it isn’t entirely unique in concept, “The Rental” surpasses 2022’s “Barbarian” in creating a more chilling and authentic portrayal of Airbnb-related horror. The story presents a harrowing and heartbreaking depiction of a terrifying situation that has left me considering the exclusive use of hotels for future travels.

Stream The Rental and more horror favorites with Shudder

After trying out Shudder’s 7-day free trial and watching shows like The Rental, you might find it hard to let go of the service due to its top-notch horror content. At just $8.99 a month or $89.99 for an annual subscription (equivalent to $7.49 per month), Shudder offers affordable options that could make it a long-term choice for your streaming needs. Check out the deal here!

The Rental Boasts A Few Similarities To Together

In a different yet intriguing manner, both films “Together” and “The Rental” share common ground beyond the presence of Franco and Larson. The most striking similarity lies in their exploration of complex relationships, specifically troubled romances and codependency, which are central themes in both productions. Each film’s primary couples face challenges due to secrets arising from either suppressed discontent or self-doubt. While these elements don’t symbolically link to the films’ more evident horror aspects as “Together” does with its body horror elements, they could potentially evoke even stronger emotional responses.

In simpler terms, both films demonstrate that Franco and Larson, as a creative duo, aren’t shy about employing family pets to evoke strong emotions from viewers. For instance, in the opening of ‘Together’, two dogs are subjected to a rather distressing scenario, and there is also a dog named Reggie in ‘The Rental’ who plays a significant role in the story by causing anxiety when he mysteriously disappears. Now, I won’t reveal what happens to him, but I feel compelled to mention that pet owners should be aware of the suspense surrounding his absence. However, compared to the dogs in ‘Together’, Reggie’s outcome is relatively less distressing.

Since its release, I haven’t come across much chatter about “The Rental”. However, I’m optimistic that its popularity will grow after the debut of “Together”. If you haven’t watched it and have access to Shudder, I suggest giving it a stream. Alternatively, you can rent it on Amazon. You might find yourself joining me in thinking it’s one of the top horror movies you unintentionally delayed seeing.

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2025-08-09 23:45