We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
