We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together resides a deep examination about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A familiar story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking 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 supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions 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 removed from his social circle. He dreads the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
