Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
