Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together resides a profound meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
