Here's a test for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but within Together lies a deep contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.