Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
