Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like standard physical horror, but within Together lies a intense contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A familiar story element, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
