Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard biological terror, but within Together lies a deep meditation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco 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 reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something horrific). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He dreads the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
