Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks 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 a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s primarily 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.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple confront the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion 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 look at your significant other and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
