Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional body horror, but inside Together resides a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story begins when the couple transition from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
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 emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
