We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a intense examination about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
