We present a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together resides a intense meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that come with most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
