Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like standard biological terror, but beneath Together resides a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that come with any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to another person, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
