Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional body horror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
