We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical biological terror, but inside Together resides a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the allegory never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
