Here's a dare for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a intense contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
