We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but inside Together exists a intense examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when the couple move from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple face the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
