Here's a dare for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a intense contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
The couple face the kind of problems that arise in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
