We present a challenge for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional body horror, but within Together resides a profound examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters face the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension 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 telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
