Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits 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 concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that come with most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
