Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but beneath Together resides a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they still love one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
