We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like standard biological terror, but within Together resides a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
