Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together resides a deep meditation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform at present.
