We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical biological terror, but beneath Together resides a profound examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, 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 unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
