Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical body horror, but within Together resides a profound examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care 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 future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict 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 telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
