Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for her career. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
