Here's a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard body horror, but within Together resides a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
