We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like conventional body horror, but within Together resides a deep meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the country for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that come with any relationship after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
