Consider this a test for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. 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 is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that arise in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
