Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together resides a intense examination about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence 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 struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple face the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the allegory never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
