Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like conventional body horror, but inside Together resides a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the big city to the country for her career. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
