Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like standard physical horror, but beneath Together lies a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He fears the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the symbolism never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
