Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the big city to the country for her career. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple face the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
