We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard physical horror, but within Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He dreads the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
