Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together lies a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the big city to the rural area for her career. A familiar narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
