We present a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your partner and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together resides a intense examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A familiar narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, blending moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He fears the concept of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
