Here's a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when the couple move from the urban environment to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
