Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together exists a intense meditation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
