We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together lies a profound examination about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the country for her career. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners 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 potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
