We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional body horror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for her career. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his support system. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters face the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
