We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like conventional body horror, but within Together lies a profound meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
