We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but inside Together exists a intense examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
