Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple confront the type of challenges that come with long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
