Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but inside Together resides a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting 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 characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only 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 left the city and distant from his network of friends. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
