We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like conventional physical horror, but inside Together resides a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple face the type of challenges that arise in any relationship after ten years. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire 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 significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
