Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but inside Together resides a intense examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.