We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like standard body horror, but beneath Together resides a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple confront the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
