Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but within Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
