We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional body horror, but within Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, 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 represent these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
