Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like conventional body horror, but within Together exists a profound meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
