We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like conventional body horror, but beneath Together resides a deep examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when the couple move from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that come with most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
