We present a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a profound contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they still love each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
