We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together lies a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, blending moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance 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 moved to the country and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
