Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together resides a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated 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 individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple face the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
