Consider this a test for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like standard biological terror, but inside Together resides a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the country for her career. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly 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 deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
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 network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple face the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
