Consider this a test for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. 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 reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the sort of issues that come with long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
