Here's a test for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but inside Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot commences when the couple transition from the big city to the country for her career. A familiar narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow 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 significant other and say, “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.
