Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together resides a deep examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
