Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but within Together resides a intense contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when the couple move from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He fears the concept of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples 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 function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
