Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together resides a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that arise in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
