Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like standard physical horror, but within Together resides a profound meditation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, 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 act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
