Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard physical horror, but within Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble 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 otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
