We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional body horror, but within Together lies a profound meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, 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 potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
