Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like typical physical horror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story starts when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
