Consider this a test for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like standard physical horror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
