We present a test for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like standard physical horror, but inside Together exists a profound examination about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that come with any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they still love each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
