Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together lies a deep meditation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
