We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like conventional biological terror, but inside Together resides a profound examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story starts when the couple move from the big city to the rural area for her career. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together evolves 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 walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
