Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but inside Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
