We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film 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 over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story begins when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. At their core, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members 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 ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.