We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that come with long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
