We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He dreads the idea of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
