We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard biological terror, but beneath Together exists a profound contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
