Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together lies a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking 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 mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple confront the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer 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 ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform at present.
