We present a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but within Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple face the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the allegory never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
