We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple move from the metropolis to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating 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.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He dreads the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
