Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together exists a profound examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that arise in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
