We present a test for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a profound contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the country for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
