Consider this a test for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that come with most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
