Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard physical horror, but within Together lies a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his network of friends. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
