We present a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars 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 stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
