We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like conventional body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his support system. He fears the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
