Here's a test for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional body horror, but within Together lies a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director orchestrates these parts expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and fully committing to another person, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
