We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but beneath Together exists a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
