Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like conventional body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep meditation about how we choose to love each other.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). The director orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
