Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical body horror, but within Together exists a profound examination about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
