Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when the couple move from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that arise in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu at present.
