We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions end. 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 violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
