We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard body horror, but inside Together resides a intense contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that arise in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
