Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical body horror, but inside Together resides a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the sort of issues that come with most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
