We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard body horror, but within Together lies a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He dreads the idea of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
