We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city 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 psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
