Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like standard body horror, but beneath Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
