Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your partner and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a deep examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is 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 over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story commences when the couple move from the urban environment to the country for her career. A familiar story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that come with any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
