Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He dreads the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that come with most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, 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 embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
