We present a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing moments of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
