Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like standard physical horror, but within Together resides a intense examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the countryside for her career. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
