We present a dare for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard physical horror, but within Together lies a profound meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the country for her career. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
