Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The story commences when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple face the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
