Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that come with long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
