Consider this a dare for long-term couples who enjoy the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical biological terror, but beneath Together exists a intense examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple face the type of challenges that come with any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
