We present a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical biological terror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He dreads the concept of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform at present.
