Here's a dare for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional body horror, but beneath Together resides a profound contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie move from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact 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 grapple with the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and state, “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 the streaming service Hulu now.
