Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a intense examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together becomes 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 hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
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 fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that arise in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
