We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical biological terror, but beneath Together lies a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie 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 a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple face the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
