We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu at present.