Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
