We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical biological terror, but within Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, 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 remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
