We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical body horror, but within Together lies a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together transforms 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 rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). The director orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple face the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
