We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but beneath Together exists a deep meditation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, 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 experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
