Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical biological terror, but beneath Together resides a intense contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He dreads the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
