Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together lies a profound meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the sort of issues that come with any relationship a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, 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 remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
