Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical physical horror, but beneath Together lies a deep meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story starts when the couple relocate from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He fears the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of codependency and fully committing to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
