Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that come with long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
