Here's a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together exists a profound meditation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story begins when the couple move from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that arise in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu at present.
