Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a profound contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple face the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
