We present a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical biological terror, but inside Together exists a deep examination about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
