We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when the couple relocate from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
