Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, 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 persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
