We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like conventional body horror, but inside Together lies a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche 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 Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
