Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like conventional body horror, but within Together lies a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple move from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with any relationship a decade in. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
