Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard biological terror, but beneath Together exists a profound examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story starts when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that arise in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
