Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical biological terror, but within Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story starts when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them 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 emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
