Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like standard body horror, but within Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that come with most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
