Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but inside Together exists a deep contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they still love each other. 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 bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
