We present a test for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep examination about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple confront the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
