We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a profound meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
