We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard body horror, but beneath Together resides a deep examination about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie 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. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
