Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but within Together resides a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when the couple transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
