Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but within Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when the couple move from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He dreads the concept of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
