We present a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like conventional body horror, but within Together lies a profound meditation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, interspersing moments of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
