Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional body horror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
