Here's a test for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story commences when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide 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 final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
