We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
