Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a profound contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the rural area for her career. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
