Consider this a test for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like standard body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
