Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like conventional body horror, but inside Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story commences when the couple move from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters face the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
