Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard body horror, but beneath Together exists a intense contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that come with long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent 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 brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate 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 staying single. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
