Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a deep contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The story commences when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
