Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together lies a profound contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, 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 duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and fully committing to another person, the allegory avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
