We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together resides a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story commences when the couple move from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple face the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
