We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like typical physical horror, but beneath Together exists a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
