We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like conventional biological terror, but inside Together exists a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when the couple move from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
