Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story begins when the couple move from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant 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 significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
