Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together lies a intense meditation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
