We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together lies a profound examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story begins when the couple transition from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, 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 codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
