Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but inside Together exists a intense meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple transition from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
