We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the countryside for her career. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
