We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like typical physical horror, but within Together lies a intense examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when the couple transition from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
