Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together resides a intense meditation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. 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 Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
