Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a profound examination about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. 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 simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer 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 sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
