Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like standard biological terror, but within Together lies a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He fears the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that come with most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they still love one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
