We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but within Together resides a profound examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the concept 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 refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
