Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like conventional body horror, but beneath Together resides a intense examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story commences when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the country for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, blending elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple confront the kind of problems that come with any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
