Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical body horror, but within Together exists a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple transition from the big city to the country for her career. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something horrific). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
