Here's a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement 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 completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, 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 significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
