We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when the couple relocate from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that come with long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
