Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a profound meditation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
