Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical physical horror, but beneath Together exists a profound contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. 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 interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
