Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but within Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the rural area for her career. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
