Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence takes hold of the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu at present.
