Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard physical horror, but inside Together exists a profound examination about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the country for her career. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
