We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical body horror, but inside Together resides a profound meditation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story begins when the couple transition from the metropolis to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that come with most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
