Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes 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 walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He fears the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
