Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting 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 characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
