We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He fears the notion of completely losing his sense of self 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 is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
