Here's a test for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like conventional body horror, but inside Together exists a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
