We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like conventional physical horror, but within Together exists a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they have affection for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner 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 now.
