We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard physical horror, but inside Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
