Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like standard physical horror, but inside Together lies a profound meditation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He fears the concept of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
