Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but beneath Together resides a deep examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions end. 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 new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
