Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like typical physical horror, but beneath Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
