Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the big city to the countryside for her career. A familiar narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He fears the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform at present.
