Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a profound examination about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple confront the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
