Review: 'Together' Showed Me That Codependency Can Be… Romantic?

      From "Too Much" and "Materialists" to "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Season 3, 2025 has treated us to a delightful array of romantic releases. Among this influx of endearing protagonists and love-triangle chaos, I never anticipated that one of the most impactful romances I encountered this year would originate from the horror genre, but "Together" proved me wrong.

      Now, before those who shy away from horror movies click away—please bear with me for a moment. Upon seeing the trailer for Alison Brie and Dave Franco’s new body horror film, "Together," I must admit I felt a little apprehensive. After too many sleepless nights spent worrying about films like "Insidious" and "Sinister" during my youth, I wasn't sure if I could handle it. However, when I finally mustered the courage to visit the theater this past weekend, it wasn’t the gore or jump scares (though both are skillfully done) that made me grateful for my ticket. It was the film's ability to address the relationship questions I had never been able to articulate.

      Having been with my partner for nearly a decade, I was eager—perhaps even eager—to see what this story would reveal about a topic I grapple with more often than I’d like to admit: codependency. "Together" turned out to be not just a visually stunning film that even the most sensitive viewers could tolerate, but it also left me with insights about the connection between intimacy and identity that I’m sure will linger with me.

      **What is "Together" About?**

      Featuring the real-life married couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, the narrative follows Millie (Brie), a detail-oriented, Type-A educator, who begins a new teaching position in the countryside, alongside her partner Tim (Franco), a struggling musician who has paused his ambitions to support Millie's career and their life together. Between these two characters exists an unspoken tension regarding their desires for themselves and for each other. As Millie and Tim officially settle into their new country home, these anxieties quickly spiral into a body-altering nightmare that challenges their love and identities.

      **My Review of "Together"**

      It’s a horror film that also serves as a comedy and romance.

      "Together" balances its skin-crawling thrills with deeply human elements and, paradoxically, chillingly unnatural aspects. It goes far beyond the rosy endings of your favorite rom-coms to confront the harsh realities that accompany long-term relationships. Yes, it boasts stunning, haunting visuals that establish it as an impressive horror film—but at times, it feels oddly more romantic than it is frightening. It features understated humor and an emotional depth that left me feeling more enlightened than terrified when I exited the theater (except for the unsettling sound design, of course). This is my ideal cinematic experience—the kind that lingers long after the credits roll and refuses to be easily dismissed.

      **It Reveals the Disturbing Aspects of Love**

      Like any compelling horror movie, "Together" keeps you on the edge of your seat. You can’t absorb every scene without feeling anxious, dreading what terrifying “thing” may suddenly emerge. However, for Millie and Tim, that unsettling “thing” isn't always a creature you can easily identify. Instead, it represents something any couple in a long-term relationship will recognize all too well: codependency.

      “It’s uncommon to find a film that can expose something so profoundly human amid such undeniable horror, but "Together" achieves this effortlessly.”

      Maintaining your individuality while cultivating a life with someone else can be one of the most challenging aspects of love. However, "Together" isn’t afraid to tackle this issue. For Millie and Tim, intimacy is pushed to the extreme as it desperately tries to bind them together in all possible ways. They find it nearly impossible to exist separately, without relying on one another. What this film helped me realize is that it truly is.

      You can maintain your sense of self in a relationship, but that self will invariably be influenced by your partner, whether you resist or not. Holding on to who you were before the relationship can evolve into a different kind of monster—one that subtly eats away at both your independence and your connection until you are left feeling unrecognizable. What unsettled me most about "Together" wasn't the grotesque body transformations, but the quieter confrontations that occurred in between. Finding a film capable of uncovering something so deeply human within an undeniably horrifying context is rare, but "Together" does so effortlessly.

      **It Prompted Reflection on My Own Codependent Relationship**

      Having been with my partner since high school, we’ve shared many rare and beautiful experiences—from graduations and new jobs to discovering new cities and grieving together. However, in sharing all these moments, it can be difficult to discern exactly where I end and we begin. What I appreciate most about "Together" is how effectively it reflects these challenging truths