Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like conventional body horror, but inside Together exists a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
