We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a profound meditation about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story starts when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
