We present a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard physical horror, but beneath Together lies a profound examination about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He fears the concept of completely losing his sense of self 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.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that come with most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
