Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like standard physical horror, but within Together lies a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features 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 a decade. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when the couple move from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
