Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like standard body horror, but beneath Together resides a profound meditation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
