Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together resides a profound examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when the couple move from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
