We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional body horror, but inside Together exists a profound examination about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A familiar story element, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the type of challenges that come with most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
