Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes 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 country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the allegory never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
