Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together resides a deep examination about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A familiar narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. 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 rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He dreads the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu at present.
