Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The 2025 indie hit just made 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 our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into 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, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Tim and Millie move from the metropolis to the country for her career. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
