We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like standard physical horror, but beneath Together resides a intense meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
