We present a dare for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a intense examination about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality 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 commences when the couple transition from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into 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 rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). The director orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent 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 metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
