We present a dare for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together lies a intense meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
