We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story commences when the couple move from the big city to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
