Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but inside Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is 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 over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing 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 mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that arise in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
