Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a profound meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated 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 amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
