We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical body horror, but within Together exists a profound examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the country for her career. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that come with long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. 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 response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
