Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together resides a profound examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering 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.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that come with any relationship a decade in. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
