We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
