We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical body horror, but within Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story starts when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that come with most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
