Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like conventional body horror, but within Together exists a intense contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The story starts when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, 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 seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
