We present a test for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like standard body horror, but beneath Together resides a profound contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the kind of problems that come with most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, 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 future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
