Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but within Together resides a intense meditation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when the couple move from the big city to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated 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 completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that come with most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
