Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together exists a intense meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect 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 elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
