We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when the couple relocate from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, blending elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple face the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
