Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical body horror, but beneath Together resides a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters 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 exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
