We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical physical horror, but beneath Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when the couple relocate from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
