Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple relocate from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
