We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like typical biological terror, but beneath Together exists a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story starts when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his network of friends. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and fully committing to another person, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, 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 right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
