We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional body horror, but within Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A familiar story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He fears the notion of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
