Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like conventional physical horror, but beneath Together exists a intense examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that come with most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
