Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like standard physical horror, but beneath Together resides a profound examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A familiar narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that come with long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
