We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard biological terror, but within Together exists a deep examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory avoids being clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
