Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard biological terror, but within Together lies a profound examination about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when the couple transition from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple confront the type of challenges that come with long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory avoids being clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform at present.
