We present a test for long-term couples who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard body horror, but within Together lies a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when the couple move from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, blending moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. 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 relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
