We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like standard biological terror, but within Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire 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 significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
