We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like conventional body horror, but beneath Together resides a intense examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily 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.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He dreads the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that come with any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
