Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together resides a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when the couple move from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
