Here's a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts neatly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
