We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical physical horror, but within Together resides a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
