We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together exists a deep meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country 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 further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, 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 unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
