Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his network of friends. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve 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 see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
