We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together exists a deep examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that come with long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
