Consider this a test for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard body horror, but beneath Together lies a profound contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. 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 Together avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that arise in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
