Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together exists a deep examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film 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 a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story starts when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that come with long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
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 those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
