Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
