Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard physical horror, but within Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
