We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but beneath Together resides a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for her career. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
