We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical biological terror, but beneath Together exists a profound examination about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
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 seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
