Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard biological terror, but within Together resides a intense meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie move from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that come with any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform at present.
