Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like typical biological terror, but inside Together resides a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
