We present a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a intense contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He dreads the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the kind of problems that come with long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
