We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like standard physical horror, but within Together lies a profound examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they still love one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
