Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together exists a profound examination about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that come with any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
