Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He fears the notion of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that arise in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
