Here's a test for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard body horror, but within Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the sort of issues that arise in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
