We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a profound examination about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.