We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters face the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu at present.
