We present a challenge for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a intense examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The story starts when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters face the kind of problems that come with any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
