Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when the couple transition from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple confront the sort of issues that come with any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
