We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical biological terror, but within Together exists a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self 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 slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that come with most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
