We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He dreads the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they still love each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the allegory avoids being clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
