We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of codependency and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
