Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard biological terror, but inside Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, 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 anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
