Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard physical horror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie move from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
