We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple move from the big city to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
