Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like typical body horror, but beneath Together resides a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that come with long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
