Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical biological terror, but inside Together resides a deep examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that come with most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. 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 relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
