Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
