We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and view Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple confront the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. 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 interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
