We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a deep meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story commences when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
