Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that come with long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
