We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together exists a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy 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.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
