Here's a test for long-term couples who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when the couple relocate from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that come with long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
