Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but within Together lies a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
