Here's a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a intense meditation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
