Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical physical horror, but beneath Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
