Consider this a test for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like conventional body horror, but within Together exists a profound meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
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 single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
