We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a profound contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
