We present a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like typical physical horror, but beneath Together lies a profound examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story starts when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing moments of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
