Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a profound contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story begins when Tim and Millie move from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters face the sort of issues that arise in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform at present.
