We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a profound meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance 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 floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple confront the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer 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 yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
