We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard biological terror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. 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 country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his support system. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
