Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like typical physical horror, but beneath Together resides a deep contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
