We present a test for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but within Together lies a intense meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie 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. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot commences when the couple transition from the metropolis to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that arise in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
