Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie move from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers 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 reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
